WV Division of Natural Resources Annual Report 2006-2007

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Joe Manchin III Governor, State of West Virginia

Kelley Goes Secretary, Department of Commerce

Frank Jezioro Director, Division of Natural Resources

Emily J. Fleming Capitol Complex Assistant to the Director / Legislative Liaison Building 3, Room 669 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East Harry F. Price Charleston WV 25305-0660 Executive Secretary, Administration Section David E. Murphy Telephone: (304) 558-2754 Chief, Law Enforcement Section Fax: (304) 558-2768 Kenneth K. Caplinger Web sites: Acting Chief, Parks and Recreation Section www.wvdnr.gov www.wvstateparks.com Hoy Murphy www.wvhunt.com Public Information Officer www.wvfish.com www.wonderfulwv.com Joe T. Scarberry Acting Chief, Real Estate Management Section Electronic mail: [email protected] Curtis I. Taylor [email protected] Chief, Wildlife Resources Section [email protected] [email protected] Natural Resources Commissioners Jeffrey S. Bowers, Sugar Grove Byron K. Chambers, Romney David M. Milne, Bruceton Mills Gus C. Svokas, Weirton Twila S. Metheney, Morgantown Kenneth R. Wilson, Chapmanville Jan E. Riffe, Dawson

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Annual Report 2006-2007 is published by the Division of Natural Resources and the Department of Commerce Communications.

It is the policy of the Division of Natural Resources to provide its facilities, services, programs and employment opportunities to all persons without regard to sex, race, age, religion, national origin or ancestry, disability, or other protected group status. Division of Natural Resources Capitol Complex, Building 3, Room 669 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East Charleston WV 25305-0660 TDD (304) 558-1439 TDD 1-800-354-6087 Joe Manchin III Fax (304) 558-2768 Frank Jezioro Governor Telephone (304) 558-2754 Director

December 1, 2007

The Honorable Joe Manchin III Governor of West Virginia State Capitol Charleston, West Virginia 25305

Dear Governor Manchin:

Transmitted herewith is the annual report for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources for fiscal year July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2007.

This report contains a summary of the activities and projects undertaken by the Division in the fulfillment of its legal responsibilities of managing the state’s renewable natural resources.

A detailed accounting of receipts and expenditures as prescribed by Chapter 20, Code of West Virginia, is also respectfully submitted.

Sincerely

Frank Jezioro Director Game

Support Program Diversity

Planning,

Technical WILDLIFE

Licensing

Management

RESOURCES

Management

Coldwater Fish

Biometrics and

Warmwater FishWarmwater

Hunting & Fishing

WV Whitewater Commission

WV Public Land Corporation

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Ohio River Basin Commission

State Soil ConservationState Committee

WV Natural Resources Commission

ON WHICH THE DIRECTOR SERVES

National Coal Heritage Area AuthorityNationalArea Coal Heritage

Wildlife Endowment Fund Advisory Board

Interstate OilInterstate and Gas CommissionCompact

Ohio River ManagementAdvisory Fund Board

Hatfield and McCoy Regional AuthorityRecreation

Appalachian National Scenic Trail Advisory Council National ScenicAppalachian Trail

Governor’s Commission on West Virginians Outdoors

Public

Information

Public Land

Corporation

REAL ESTATE REAL

MANAGEMENT

PARKS & PARKS

Business

Operations

DIRECTOR

September 2005

GOVERNOR

Management

SECRETARY

RECREATION

& Maintenance Programming

DEPARTMENT

Planning, Engineering

ancestry, disability, or other protected group disability, status. ancestry,

Unit

LAW Director

It is the policy of the Division of Natural Resources to providefacilities, its services, programs, and Charge of

employment opportunities to all persons without regard to sex, race, age, religion, national origin, or and Grants

Whitewater

Boat Safety

Enforcement Assistant to the Assistant Special Asst. Special in

ENFORCEMENT

Hunter Safety and Watersheds, Safety Watersheds,

Staffing

Services

Payroll &

Magazine

Technology

Budget Office

Wonderful WV

Fiscal Services

Information and

General Services

ADMINISTRATION

Employee Benefits WEST VIRGINIA DIVISION OF NATURAL RESOURCES DISTRICT MAP

District Office Location 1 Farmington 2 Romney 3 French Creek 4 MacArthur 5 Pt. Pleasant (Wildlife) 5 Nitro (Law Enforcement) 6 Parkersburg WEST VIRGINIA STATE PARKS, FORESTS AND RECREATION AREAS

Lodge Park State Park State Forest Rail Trail Recreation Area

ANNUAL REPORT 2006 - 2007

MISSION It is the statutory mission of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to provide and administer a long-range comprehensive program for the exploration, conservation, development, protection, enjoyment and use of the natural resources of the State of West Virginia. Contents Administration Section ...... 1 Staffing ------1 Payroll and Employee Benefits ------2 Wonderful West Virginia Magazine ------2 General Services ------2 Information and Technology Services ------2 Budget Office ------2 Fiscal Services ------2 Law Enforcement Section ...... 22 Law Enforcement Program ------22 Officer Training ------22 Hunter Education Program ------23 Boating Safety Education Program ------24 Whitewater Enforcement Program ------24 Parks and Recreation Section ...... 29 System-wide Goals, Objectives and Challenges ------29 Individual Area and Section Activity Reports ------31 Planning/Engineering/Maintenance Section ------39 Community Work Experience Program ------39 Programming Section ------39 Public Information Office ...... 40 Real Estate Management Section ...... 42 Land Acquisition ------42 Public Land Corporation ------42, 45 Other Functions ------42 Wildlife Resources Section ...... 46 Administration------46 Game Management Services ------50 Warmwater Fish Management ------53 Coldwater Fish Management ------55 Wildlife Diversity Program ------58 Natural Heritage Program ------60 Technical Support Unit------63 Index ...... 67 ADMINISTRATION SECTION Harry F. Price, Executive Secretary

The administrative offices provide services to all sections and offices of the Division of Natural Resources in the areas of budgeting, accounting, investments, staffing, payroll, employee benefits, procurement, property management and control, general services, information technology, and publishing Wonderful West Virginia magazine.

Sectional responsibilities include developing and maintaining sound fiscal and personnel policies, coordinating purchasing procedures, maintaining active inventory and records management programs, managing a statewide radio communication system, publishing the State’s premier magazine, coordinating and maintaining myriad information technology functions, and developing administrative procedures required for the orderly correlation of divisional activities and the overall operation of the division. The services are provided by employees working in seven major branches: staffing, payroll and employee benefits, general services, fiscal services, budget, information technology, and Wonderful West Virginia magazine.

Staffing On June 30, 2007, the Division of Natural Resources The Staffing branch acts as liaison between sec- had 775 permanent and 1,000 hourly employees employed tions of the division and the West Virginia Division of on regular programs. The year-round work force for DNR Personnel in order to secure qualified applicants and to is approximately 1,428 permanent and temporary employ- ensure fair and equitable treatment for employees. This ees with fluctuations due to seasonal programs and ac- office also maintains personnel files and leave records tivities. for all employees of the Division of Natural Resources. Work force characteristics as of June 30, 2007, are listed in the chart below.

Permanent Average Average Years State Average Section Employees Age of Education Service Mo. Salary

Administration 43 48 13 17 yrs 5 mos $2,932 Executive 7 54 14 18 yrs 6 mos $4,111 Law Enforcement 124 47 14 17 yrs 6 mos $3,250 Parks & Recreation 403 48 13 14 yrs 6 mos $2,060 Real Estate Mgmt. 7 48 14 15 yrs 6 mos $3,111 Wildlife Resources 191 47 15 17 yrs 5 mos $2,966

Division 775 47 14 15 yrs 6 mos $2,550*

FOOTNOTE: * Please note that the Average Monthly Salary listed for the agency is calculated by totaling individual monthly salaries and dividing by the number of employees, not by adding the section average monthly salaries and dividing by seven.

One hundred three (103) vacancy announcements percent of the vacancies being attributed to internal pro- were posted and distributed throughout the agency for motions. Eighty-three (83) job vacancies were filled by employee bulletin boards and mailed to other State agen- transfer/promotion of current State employees or new cies. This number produces a turnover rate for the agency hires. The average age of newly hired employees for the of 13.29 percent with thirty-six (36) percent of the vacan- agency was thirty-nine (39). cies being attributed to retirements and thirty-five (35)

ADMINISTRATION SECTION 1 Payroll and Employee Benefits Information Technology Services The Payroll and Employee Benefits branch electroni- The Information Technology Services Unit manages cally processes and approves data concerning payrolls and the Charleston office local area network; provides train- administers employee benefit programs and other related ing and support to PC and mainframe users; provides com- items for the Division of Natural Resources through the puter program analysis, coding, and documentation to statewide Employee Payroll Information Control System other DNR sections; maintains security of all informa- (EPICS), acting as liaison between the agency and the tion technology (IT) resources; develops and recommends Auditor’s Office. The benefit programs include unemploy- IT policies, procedures, and plans for DNR; reviews and ment, workers’ compensation, retirement, and insurance. approves any purchase of IT products and services within Other responsibilities include WVFIMS processing for DNR, and maintains DNR Web pages. DNR payrolls, fund transfers pertaining to payrolls, retirement, insurance programs, and maintaining person- Budget Office nel, activity, and payroll related information on all sea- The Budget Office prepares the division’s appropria- sonal and temporary hourly employees on state parks. tion requests, expenditure schedules and amendments and monitors all budgeting processes for compliance with Wonderful West Virginia Magazine generally accepted accounting and auditing practices. The Wonderful West Virginia is an official publication of office manages the division’s budgeting system consist- the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and is ing of the State budget and federal cost accounting, re- the state’s premier publication. Published monthly, there porting, and automated clearing house payment systems. are about 40,500 copies It establishes and ensures adherence to budgetary poli- printed of each issue. cies and standards and serves as a liaison for negotiation and preparation of the division’s indirect cost allocation In FY 2007 the av- plan. The office prepares, coordinates and processes leg- erage number of copies islative fiscal notes that affect rules and regulations relat- mailed each month to ing to the division. In addition, the office has assumed paid individual sub- responsibility for the budgeting and accounting functions scribers was 33,902. In of the agency’s Law Enforcement Section. addition, some 4,056 copies were distributed Fiscal Services each month to paid bulk Centralized accounting and auditing services are the subscribers such as gov- primary functions of this operational unit. The Fiscal Ser- ernment agencies, vices Office is responsible for preparing financial state- chambers of commerce, ments for the division. Various analytical, budgetary and motels, real estate firms, management reports are originated and distributed. Re- etc., newsstands on state parks, and other newsstand dis- ceipting, investing and billing are the major daily func- tributors. tions of the fiscal office. Auditing and payment processing of all division obligations occur in these offices.The General Services unit is the liaison with the Travel Management Office for The General Services branch includes management travel approval and seeks reimbursement from the of a statewide two-way radio communications network, Auditor’s Office for employees. centralized purchasing and inventory control, and coordination of central mail and messenger operations. Man- agement of district level administrative activities is also a The following report is limited to a presentation of function of this branch. Property and Procurement handles the fiscal operations of the West Virginia Division of all purchasing transactions, inventory control, records Natural Resources for the year ending June 30, 2007. Item- management programs, and property and liability insur- ization of summarized financial data contained in this re- ance for the division. port is public record and on file.

2 ADMINISTRATION SECTION Combining Statement of Revenues, Disbursements And Changes in Cash Balances Fiscal Year 2006-2007

Appropriated Funds GENERAL FUND (0265) Appropriated Fund - No Cash Balance Disbursements Personal Services (8,832,259.98) Employee Benefits (3,721,714.16) Current Expense (984,779.21) Repairs and Alterations (20,432.51) Equipment 3,446.50 PEIA Reserve Transfer (67,757.32) Total Disbursements (13,623,496.68)

SPECIAL REVENUE LICENSE FUND (3200) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 2,983,365.15 Investment Balance July 1, 2006 2,089,562.23 Beginning Fund Balance 5,072,927.38 Receipts Animal Replacement Costs 28,143.25 Hunting & Fishing Licenses and Stamps 12,682,156.43 Investment Earnings 232,906.71 Miscellaneous Permits and License 12,540.00 Miscellaneous Collections 23,987.63 Sand/Gravel Royalties 19,334.20 Surplus Property Sale 11,063.00 Transfer from Wildlife Endowment Fund 2,075,000.00 Total Receipts 15,085,131.22 Disbursements Personal Services (7,103,193.82) Employee Benefits (2,781,267.42) Current Expense (3,683,690.32) Repairs and Alterations (241,965.61) Equipment (1,566,854.49) Bank Costs (754.06) Medical Service Payments (532.20) Buildling Improvements (9,005.00) Building Purchase or Construction (4,850.00) Point of Sale License System (50,998.17) 2002 Capital Improvement (329.61) 2003 Capital Improvement (138,253.99) 2004 Capital Improvements (131,588.13) 2005 Capital Improvement (767,003.55) 2006 Capital Improvements (1,445,659.73) 2007 Capital Improvements (349,637.95) Less Total Disbursements (18,275,584.05) Ending Fund Balance 1,882,474.55 Less - Investment Balance June 30, 2007 (158,064.73) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 1,724,409.82

ADMINISTRATION SECTION 3 GAME, FISH AND AQUATIC LIFE FUND (3202) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 65,451.98 Investment Balance July 1, 2006 285,713.27 Beginning Fund Balance 351,165.25 Receipts Fish Kill Reimbursement 4,790.79 Investment Earnings 18,689.24 Plus Total Receipts 23,480.03 Disbursements Current Expense 0.00 Less Total Disbursements 0.00 Ending Fund Balance 374,645.28 Less - Investment Balance June 30, 2007 (299,552.51) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 75,092.77

WILDLIFE DIVERSITY FUND (3203) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 397,562.27 Investment Balance July 1, 2006 1,802,505.06 Beginning Fund Balance 2,200,067.33 Receipts Gift Shop Sales 58.28 Investment Earnings 120,407.61 Miscellaneous Collections 97,004.43 Sale of Booklets 4,696.97 Sale of Wildlife Calendars 106,855.40 Sale of Wildlife License Plates 373,634.00 Special Events 12,394.25 Surplus Property Sale 1,150.00 Plus Total Receipts 716,200.94 Disbursements Personal Services (203,343.60) Employee Benefits (64,331.63) Current Expense (253,768.92) Equipment (39,690.00) Bank Costs (347.80) Less Total Disbursements (561,481.95) Ending Fund Balance 2,354,786.32 Less - Investment Balance June 30, 2007 (2,199,612.67) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 155,173.65

USE & DEVELOPMENT FUND - PUBLIC LAND CORPORATION (3205) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 395,108.47 Receipts Channel Changes 200.00 Coal Annual Fees 400.00 Docking Facilities 9,400.00 Gas & Oil Leases 32,221.27 Low Water Fords 3,600.00 Low Water Level Bridges 73,500.00 Miscellaneous Collections 42,400.00 Pipeline Permits 156,065.00 Sand/Gravel ATE Management 11,000.00 Stream Restoration 1,500.00 Structures 69,750.00

4 ADMINISTRATION SECTION Subterranean Cable Permit Renewal 22,875.00 Water Intake Supply System 4,700.00 Plus Total Receipts 427,611.27 Disbursements Personal Services (143,523.72) Employee Benefits (45,733.13) Current Expense (49,144.42) Repairs and Alterations (922.99) PEIA Reserve Transfer (1,317.72) Less Total Disbursements (240,641.98) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 582,077.76

WHITEWATER STUDY AND IMPROVEMENT FUND (3253) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 87,125.32 Investment Balance July 1, 2006 53,089.54 Beginning Fund Balance 140,214.86 Receipts Investment Earnings 7,939.72 Study and Improvement Fees 67,070.00 Plus Total Receipts 75,009.72 Disbursements Personal Services (51,028.55) Employee Benefits (19,399.78) Current Expense (1,690.67) PEIA Reserve Transfer (430.34) Less Total Disbursements (72,549.34) Ending Fund Balance 142,675.24 Less - Investment Balance June 30, 2007 (24,379.26) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 118,295.98

PARKS LOTTERY NET PROFITS (3267) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 799,956.51 Receipts Lottery Transfers 16,758,492.00 Miscellaneous Collections 3,990.00 Plus Total Receipts 16,762,482.00 Disbursements Personal Services (1,410,576.46) Employee Benefits (694,706.31) Current Expense (1,244,196.27) Repairs and Alterations (13,879.81) Equipment (6,510.44) PEIA Reserve Transfer (14,005.32) Contractor Pmts for Capital Asset Proj (20,682.30) Consultant Pmts for Capital Asset Proj (1,900.00) Land Improvements (20,415.00) Building Purchase or Construction (377.12) Medical Service Pmts (4,298.38) Less Total Disbursements (3,431,547.41) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 14,130,891.10

ADMINISTRATION SECTION 5 STATE PARK IMPROVEMENT FUND (3277) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 9,548,990.35 Beginning Fund Balance Receipts Lottery Transfers 5,000,000.00 Plus Total Receipts 5,000,000.00 Disbursements Personal Services (1,129,901.96) Employee Benefits (521,977.12) Current Expense (567,774.93) Repairs and Alterations (1,770,188.03) Equipment (204,932.30) Payment of Claims (59,020.90) PEIA Reserve Transfer (11,271.90) Contractor Pmts for Capital Asset Proj (659,908.78) Consultant Pmts for Capital Asset Proj (13,042.00) Building Improvements (55,008.89) Reclamation of State Owned Property (52,725.00) Land Improvements (41,391.73) Building Purchase or Construction (4,227.98) Debt Service Leases - Principle (172,145.00) Debt Service Leases - Interest (30,751.24) Less Total Disbursements (5,294,267.76) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 9,254,722.59

CONSOLIDATED FEDERAL FUND (8707) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 2,433,216.30 Investment Balance July 1, 2006 129,319.28 Beginning Fund Balance 2,562,535.58 Receipts Law Enforcement Boating Safety 257,401.00 Duplicate Boat Safety Cards 30.00 Hunter Safety Replacement Cards 15,385.00 Hunter Safety 210,184.21 483,000.21 Wildlife Resources Acid Water Studies 131,447.93 Archery Education in Schools 21,184.21 Biometrics 95,231.20 Blackwater Canyon Habitat Study 127,157.22 Boating Access Administration 203,800.71 Boating Access Grant 4,453.39 Camp Dawson Exotic Spc Inv 15,000.00 Comprehensive Wildlife Consv. Implementation 52,410.00 Commercial Navigable Rivers 62,868.48 District Wildlife Management 1,188,421.75 Endangered Species 34,439.33 EPA Geo Info Sys Development 57,574.00 EPA Wetlands Development Grant 96,939.00 Fish & Wildlife Coordination 104,548.84 Interagency Coordination 201,844.19 Investment Earnings 163,402.81 Landowner Incentive Program 180,000.00 Miscellaneous 732.68 National Park Service Grant-Cass Clubhouse 16,885.38

6 ADMINISTRATION SECTION National Science Foundation Grant 145,613.72 Reservoir Investigations 73,977.85 Rivers and Streams Assessment 27,637.78 Rudolf Conservation Easement 515,000.00 Small Impoundment Assessment 61,052.76 State Wildlife Grants 805,466.75 Surplus Property Sale 31,327.38 Trout Hatchery Operations 1,386,826.87 USDP AG NRCS Wildlife Habt Inc 40,800.00 Warmwater Fish Hatcheries Grant 50,176.28 Wildlife Conservation Management Education 8,246.68 Wildlife Research 1,040,400.38 6,945,016.41 Plus Total Receipts 7,428,016.62 Disbursements Personal Services (3,200,200.19) Employee Benefits (1,093,917.85) Current Expense (1,787,827.39) Repairs and Alterations (104,451.63) Equipment (180,857.25) Building Improvements (500,000.00) Land Improvements (954.00) Building Purchase or Construction (456.41) Less Total Disbursements (6,868,664.72) Ending Fund Balance 3,121,887.48 Less - Investment Balance June 30, 2007 (168,861.09) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 2,953,026.39

Non-Appropriated Funds

LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM FUND (3204) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 1,093.30 Investment Balance July 1, 2006 766,503.04 Beginning Fund Balance 767,596.34 Receipts Captive Cervid Facility License 6,125.00 Forfeiture 1,345.00 Donation for Hunter Education 13,431.00 Hunter Safety Card Replacement 3,870.00 Investment Earnings 45,632.08 Law Enforcement Homeland Security Grant 159,015.86 Miscellaneous Collections 30.00 Miscellaneous Permits 4,009.00 Motorboat Licenses 81,397.25 Surplus Property Sale 1,225.00 Tipping Fees 483,371.89 Whitewater Rafting Licenses 33,000.00 Plus Total Receipts 832,452.08 Disbursements Personal Services (139,262.72) Employee Benefits (46,146.00) Current Expense (79,940.70) Repairs and Alterations 24,071.63 Equipment (134,794.86) Less Total Disbursements (376,072.65)

ADMINISTRATION SECTION 7 Ending Fund Balance 1,223,975.77 Less - Investment Balance June 30, 2007 (978,375.12) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 245,600.65

LAW ENFORCEMENT CONTRACTS (3208) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 12,779.06 Receipts Contracts 0.00 Plus Total Receipts 0.00 Disbursements Current Expense 0.00 Less Total Disbursements 0.00 Cash Balance June 30, 2007 12,779.06

UPPER PAINT CREEK WATERSHED (GOV CIVIL CONT. FUND) (3209) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 10,181.00 Receipts Statutory Transfer 0.00 Plus Total Receipts 0.00 Disbursements Current Expense (10,181.00) Less Total Disbursements (10,181.00) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 0.00

WILDLIFE ENDOWMENT FUND (3224) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 3,760.00 Investment Balance July 1, 2006 35,339,706.42 Beginning Fund Balance 35,343,466.42 Receipts Gifts & Bequests 1,000.00 Investment Earnings 6,415,961.23 Lifetime Hunting & Fishing License 516,030.00 Mitigation - Wildlife 1,199.97 Plus Total Receipts 6,934,191.20 Disbursements Fund Transfer (2,310,000.00) Less Total Disbursements (2,310,000.00) Ending Fund Balance 39,967,657.62 Less - Investment Balance June 30, 2007 (39,964,007.62) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 3,650.00

WILDLIFE RESOURCES-RECREATION FUND (3227) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 8,122.56 Investment Balance July 1, 2006 2,381,007.52 Beginning Fund Balance 2,389,130.08 Receipts Acid Impacted Stream Studies 17,263.19 Allegheny Power 207,746.00 Cabin Rentals 3,892.19 Campsite Rentals 16,594.59 Captive Cervid Facility License 6,125.00 Coal Royalties 7,794.98

8 ADMINISTRATION SECTION Donation for Stream Treatment with Limestone 2,500.00 Entrance Fees 52,411.14 Fish Kill Reimbursement 2,338.97 Gas Royalties 331,700.08 Gift Shop Sales 11,549.63 Gifts & Bequests 30,971.50 Go-Wild Hunting & Fishing License Issuance Fee 102,749.00 Habitat Land Inquiries 21,600.00 Hunters Helping the Hungry 17,270.00 Hunters Helping the Hungry DHHR Grant 75,000.00 Information Retrieval 36,003.80 Investment Earnings 149,220.08 Leases 19,603.43 Miscellaneous Collections 71,882.58 Mitigation Wildlife 498,605.31 National Park Service Study 2,241.00 National Wild Turkey Federation 15,000.00 New River Study 17,642.00 Oil Royalties 4,433.21 Real Estate License Fees 61,759.95 Residence Rental 1,625.00 Ruffed Grouse Society Gift 15,000.00 Specialty Lifetime License Card 8,958.00 Timber Sales 221,475.43 Transfer from Wildlife Endowment Fund 40,000.00 Trophy Fish Citations 4,645.00 USDA Avian Flu Study 27,719.39 Wildlife Contract Reimbursement 7,500.00 Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program 2,759.00 Plus Total Receipts 2,113,579.45 Disbursements Personal Services (300,544.35) Employee Benefits (110,707.11) Current Expense (389,065.79) Repairs and Alterations (27,554.45) Equipment (139,731.99) Bank Costs (261.57) Less Total Disbursements (967,865.26) Ending Fund Balance 3,534,844.27 Less - Investment Balance June 30, 2007 (3,397,577.60) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 137,266.67

BEAR DAMAGE FUND (3228) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 469.52 Investment Balance July 1, 2006 314,358.63 Beginning Fund Balance 314,828.15 Receipts Bear Damage Stamps 252,513.00 Investment Earnings 17,475.05 Plus Total Receipts 269,988.05

Disbursements Current Expense (37,226.27) Equipment (5,854.17) Payment of Claims (89,878.69)

ADMINISTRATION SECTION 9 Less Total Disbursements (132,959.13) Ending Fund Balance 451,857.07 Less - Investment Balance June 30, 2007 (448,083.68) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 3,773.39

WILDLIFE RESOURCES CONTRACTS FUND (3229) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 17.83 Investment Balance July 1, 2006 164,973.50 Beginning Fund Balance 164,991.33 Receipts Investment Earnings 8,230.75 Plus Total Receipts 8,230.75 Disbursements Employee Benefits 445.74 Less Total Disbursements 445.74 Ending Fund Balance 173,667.82 Less - Investment Balance June 30, 2007 (168,204.25) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 5,463.57

MIGRATORY WATERFOWL STAMP FUND (3231) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 182.64 Investment Balance July 1, 2006 252,836.09 Beginning Fund Balance 253,018.73 Receipts Investment Earnings 13,749.34 Migratory Waterfowl Stamps (5,066.00) Plus Total Receipts 8,683.34 Disbursements Current Expense (5,000.00) Less Total Disbursements (5,000.00) Ending Fund Balance 256,702.07 Less - Investment Balance June 30, 2007 (256,485.43) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 216.64

CONSERVATION STAMP FUND (3232) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 1,188.20 Investment Balance July 1, 2006 2,920,422.27 Beginning Fund Balance 2,921,610.47 Receipts Conservation Stamp Sales 1,621,496.00 Investment Earnings 152,943.94 National Wild Turkey Federation 150,000.00 Plus Total Receipts 1,924,439.94 Disbursements Personal Services (115,189.65) Employee Benefits (15,342.22) Current Expense (149,016.93) Repairs and Alterations (1,137.59) Contractor Pmts for Capital Asset Proj (393,823.78) Land Purchases (444,800.00) Less Total Disbursements (1,119,310.17) Ending Fund Balance 3,726,740.24 Less - Investment Balance June 30, 2007 (3,554,766.21) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 171,974.03

10 ADMINISTRATION SECTION TROUT STAMP FUND (3233) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 1,402.60 Investment Balance July 1, 2006 1,072,050.56 Beginning Fund Balance 1,073,453.16 Receipts Investment Earnings 50,127.23 Miscellaneous Collections 60.00 Trout Stamp Sales 1,128,959.00 Transfer from Wildlife Endowment Fund 195,000.00 Plus Total Receipts 1,374,146.23 Disbursements Personal Services (680,630.92) Employee Benefits (332,113.01) Current Expense (7,100.00) Less Total Disbursements (1,019,843.93) Ending Fund Balance 1,427,755.46 Less - Investment Balance June 30, 2007 (1,287,427.79) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 140,327.67

OUTDOOR SKILLS (GOV CIVIL CONT. FUND) (3236) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 5,932.10 Receipts Statutory Transfers 0.00 Plus Total Receipts 0.00 Disbursements Current Expense (4,180.25) Less Total Disbursements (4,180.25) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 1,751.85

GIFTS, GRANTS & BEQUESTS (3237) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 28,404.61 Receipts Special Events 41,203.75 Plus Total Receipts 41,203.75 Disbursements Current Expense (18,833.09) Less Total Disbursements (18,833.09) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 50,775.27

YOUNG ADULT CONSERVATION CORPS (GSYP) (3238) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 23,577.82 Receipts Transfers In 0.00 Plus Total Receipts 0.00 Disbursements Current Expense (2,052.19) Equipment (21,525.63) Less Total Disbursements (23,577.82) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 0.00

ADMINISTRATION SECTION 11 LAND MINERALS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS (3239) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 197,450.20 Receipts Land Leases 4,034.06 Miscellaneous Collections 749.57 Real Estate Taxes 19,981.49 Rental Fees 800.00 Right-of-Way 11,899.00 Royalties 108,200.00 Plus Total Receipts 145,664.12 Disbursements Personal Services (83,928.25) Employee Benefits (26,454.90) Current Expense (45,640.61) Remittance pf Taxes (4,601.68) PEIA Reserve Transfer (487.83) Less Total Disbursements (161,113.27) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 182,001.05

LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SPORTS EDUCATION STAMPS (3247) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 15,583.96 Investment Balance July 1, 2006 84,690.24 Beginning Fund Balance 100,274.20 Receipts Law Enforcement / Sports Ed. Stamps 394,778.00 Investment Earnings 3,589.93 Plus Total Receipts 398,367.93 Disbursements Personal Services (237,787.61) Employee Benefits (96,894.10) Less Total Disbursements (334,681.71) Ending Fund Balance 163,960.42 Less - Investment Balance June 30, 2007 (126,730.17) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 37,230.25

MAGAZINE SALES & SUBSCRIPTIONS (3248) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 4,641.29 Investment Balance July 1, 2006 236,508.53 Beginning Fund Balance 241,149.82 Receipts Investment Earnings 13,704.77 Magazine Sponsorship 23,500.00 Magazine Bookshelf Sales 11,880.12 Magazine Sales 35,003.15 Magazine Subscriptions 563,132.92 Plus Total Receipts 647,220.96 Disbursements Personal Services (38,217.14) Employee Benefits (15,852.93) Current Expense (568,555.71) Bank Costs (2,121.15) PEIA Reserve Transfer (354.21) Less Total Disbursements 625,101.14)

12 ADMINISTRATION SECTION Ending Fund Balance 263,269.64 Less - Investment Balance June 30, 2007 (256,313.30) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 6,956.34

CLEARING ACCOUNT-EQUIPMENT (3251) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 82,170.50 Receipts Rental Leases 22,570.96 Plus Total Receipts 22,570.96 Disbursements Current Expense (10,091.25) Less Total Disbursements (10,091.25) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 94,650.21

CLASS A-1 SMALL ARMS HUNTING LICENSE (3259) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 80.71 Investment Balance July 1, 2006 18,832.78 Beginning Fund Balance 18,913.49 Receipts Class A-1 Small Arms Hunting License 95,330.00 Lifetime Small Arms Hunting License 4,584.00 Investment Earnings 781.38 Plus Total Receipts 100,695.38 Disbursements Personal Services (50,056.21) Employee Benefits (20,838.70) Less Total Disbursements (70,894.91) Ending Fund Balance 48,713.96 Less - Investment Balance June 30, 2007 (45,114.16) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 3,599.80

PARKS IMPROVEMENT TO FACILITIES (3260) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 0.00 Receipts Parks Development Grant 151,816.49 Plus Total Receipts 151,816.49 Disbursements Current Expense (43,008.72) Repairs and Alterations (54,710.05) Equipment (12,817.66) Land Improvements (2,495.22) Building Purchase or Construction (5,781.89) Less Total Disbursements (118,813.54) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 33,002.95

WATTERS SMITH MEMORIAL STATE PARK (3261) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 0.00 Investment Balance July 1, 2006 77,124.71 Beginning Fund Balance 77,124.71 Receipts Investment Earnings 4,094.58 Plus Total Receipts 4,094.58

ADMINISTRATION SECTION 13 Disbursements Equipment (5,200.00) Less Total Disbursements (5,200.00) Ending Fund Balance 76,019.29 Less - Investment Balance June 30, 2007 (76,019.29) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 0.00

DECOY ANIMALS ASSESSMENT FEE (3264) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 92.03 Investment Balance July 1, 2006 8,451.35 Beginning Fund Balanc`e 8,543.38 Receipts Decoy Animal Assessment Fee 700.00 Investment Earnings 461.49 Plus Total Receipts 1,161.49 Disbursements Current Expense (1,118.58) Less Total Disbursements (1,118.58) Ending Fund Balance 8,586.29 Less - Investment Balance June 30, 2007 (8,512.84) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 73.45

STATE PARK OPERATING FUND (3265) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 168,434.29 Investment Balance July 1, 2006 1,789,000.00 Beginning Fund Balance 1,957,434.29 Receipts Arts and Crafts 14,022.72 Bath / Massages 396,739.40 Bicycle Rental 1,816.78 Boat Rental 54,480.12 Cabin Advance Reservation 3,587,152.10 Cabin Rentals 1,147,810.41 Campsite Advance Reservation 339,819.98 Campsite Rentals 1,270,006.15 Cass Advance Fares 334,784.61 Coin Laundry Machines 7,486.52 Consumers Sales Tax 42,957.78 Cot & Crib Rental 30,412.84 Dinner Train Advance 39,121.93 Driving Range 19,007.46 Entrance Fees 219,885.33 Equipment Rental 14,743.15 Facility Use Rental 113,810.91 Firewood Sales 112,180.73 Food & Snacks 152,020.07 Games 4,395.08 Gas Royalties 25,004.22 Gift Certificates 34,249.22 Gift Shop Sales 1,652,971.62 Greens Fees 919,760.98 Group Camps 36,646.60 Hotel Occupancy Tax 289,989.88 Investment Earnings 82,845.65

14 ADMINISTRATION SECTION Lodge Advance Reservation 2,532,485.78 Lodge Rooms 2,398,557.48 Lottery Collections - Net 20,805.70 Magazine Sales 262.20 Miniature Golf 34,889.48 Miscellaneous Collections (80,684.26) Miscellaneous Non-Taxable 50,908.26 Miscellaneous Taxable 55,727.70 Picnic Shelter Fees 179,807.78 Pro Shop 187,895.47 Railroad Charters 41,667.38 Railroad Fares 428,695.54 Residence Rentals 17,293.85 Restaurants 2,069,494.85 Roman Bath 104,457.00 Special Events 69,143.33 Swimming Fees 369,456.45 Tennis 747.43 Tram 117,146.27 Vending Machines 54,641.72 19,597,521.65 Receipts - Concessions Boat Dock Concession 14,271.01 Canaan Concession 604,884.61 Coin Machine Concession 15,172.74 Food and Snacks Concession 5,693.67 Golf Carts 296,906.14 Landing Fees 64.39 Marina 4,942.95 Miscellaneous Concession 51,106.09 Restaurant Concession 106,372.03 Riding Stable 16,020.83 1,115,434.46 Plus Total Receipts 20,712,956.11 Disbursements Personal Services (7,459,813.60) Employee Benefits (1,832,967.95) Current Expense (9,576,935.54) Repairs and Alterations 23,859.73 Equipment (3,247.76) Remittance Of Taxes (276,457.09) Payment of Claims (7,019.68) Grants and Awards (4,175.00) Bank Costs (247,696.43) Fund Transfers - Canaan Maintenance Fund (8,195.39) PEIA Reserve Transfer (25,775.58) Contractor Pmts for Capital Asset Proj (77,979.80) Building Purchase or Construction (3,443.57) Medical Service Pmts (734.57) Less Total Disbursements (19,500,582.23) Ending Fund Balance 3,169,808.17 Less - Investment Balance June 30, 2007 (2,332,845.65) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 836,962.52

ADMINISTRATION SECTION 15 CANAAN MAINTENANCE FUND (3274) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 43,385.11 Receipts Maintenance Transfer from Operating Fund 8,195.39 Plus Total Receipts 8,195.39 Disbursements Personal Services (24,334.59) Employee Benefits (2,577.21) Less Total Disbursements (26,911.80) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 24,668.70

FEB ’03 SNOW/FLOOD DAMAGE FUND (3279) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 0.00 Receipts Fund Transfer (35,547.01) Plus Total Receipts (35,547.01) Disbursements Current Expense 35,547.01 Less Total Disbursements 35,547.01 Cash Balance June 30, 2007 0.00

JUNE ’03 FLOOD DISASTER FUND (3281) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 4,515.88 Receipts Transfers In 0.00 Plus Total Receipts 0.00 Disbursements Repairs and Alterations 0.00 Less Total Disbursements 0.00 Cash Balance June 30, 2007 4,515.88

NOVEMBER ’03 FLOOD DISASTER FUND (3282) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 32,636.08 Receipts Transfers In 0.00 Plus Total Receipts 0.00 Disbursements Current Expense 0.00 Less Total Disbursements 0.00 Cash Balance June 30, 2007 32,636.08

NOVEMBER ’03 FLOOD DISASTER FUND (3283) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 19,651.70 Receipts Transfers In 0.00 Plus Total Receipts 0.00 Disbursements Current Expense (489.00) Contactor Pmts for Capital Asset Proj (19,162.70) Less Total Disbursements (19,651.70) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 0.00

16 ADMINISTRATION SECTION NOVEMBER ’03 FLOOD DISASTER FUND (3284) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 3,212.22 Receipts Transfers In 0.00 Plus Total Receipts 0.00 Disbursements Repairs and Alterations 0.00 Less Total Disbursements 0.00 Cash Balance June 30, 2007 3,212.22

UPPER MUD RIVER GOV CIVIL CONT FUND (3290) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 28.61 Receipts Transfers In 0.00 Plus Total Receipts 0.00 Disbursements Current Expense (28.61) Less Total Disbursements (28.61) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 0.00

DECOY ANIMALS ASSESSMENT FEE (3292) Cash Balance July 1, 2006 0.00 Investment Balance July 1, 2006 0.00 Beginning Fund Balance 0.00 Receipts Coyote Management Donations 528.00 Investment Earnings 0.00 Plus Total Receipts 528.00 Disbursements Current Expense 0.00 Less Total Disbursements 0.00 Ending Fund Balance 528.00 Less - Investment Balance June 30, 2007 (500.00) Cash Balance June 30, 2007 28.00

RECAPITULATION OF FUNDS Revenue Disbursements Investments

General Fund 0.00 (13,645,295.91) 0.00 Consolidated Federal Funds 7,428,016.62 (6,868,664.72) 168,861.09 Appropriated Special Revenue Funds 38,089,915.18 (27,876,072.49) 2,681,609.17 Non-Appropriated Special Revenue Funds 35,664,639.19 (26,826,019.29) 52,900,963.11

TOTAL ALL FUNDS 81,182,570.99 (75,216,052.41) 55,751,433.37

ADMINISTRATION SECTION 17 STATEMENT OF DISBURSEMENTS FISCAL YEAR 2006-2007

ADMINISTRATION SECTION EXECUTIVE/ADMINISTRATIVE Personal Services $ 366,811.17 Employee Benefits 95,104.13 Current Expenses 135,440.59 Repairs & Alterations 1,800.95 Equipment 848.00 Fund Transfer 2,310,000.00 TOTAL $ 2,910,004.84

FISCAL SERVICES Personal Services $ 612,922.29 Employee Benefits 212,981.74 Current Expenses 553,280.01 PEIA Transfer 14,099.63 TOTAL $ 1,393,283.67

STAFFING/PAYROLL Personal Services $ 236,281.71 Employee Benefits 82,513.54 Current Expenses 35,096.04 Repairs & Alterations 1,527.91 TOTAL $ 355,419.20

GENERAL SERVICES Personal Services $ 460,705.64 Employee Benefits 189,533.28 Current Expenses 223,681.87 Repairs & Alterations 12,595.42 Equipment 9,688.00 Building Improvements 9,005.00 TOTAL $ 905,209.21

WONDERFUL WEST VIRGINIA MAGAZINE Personal Services $ 72,784.47 Employee Benefits 26,856.16 Current Expenses 590,332.06 PEIA Transfer 354.21 TOTAL $ 690,326.90

General Revenue Appropriated $ 2,468,787.57 Special Revenue Non-Appropriated 2,972,657.91 Special Revenue Appropriated 739,629.64 Federal Revenue Appropriated 73,168.70 TOTAL ADMINISTRATION $ 6,254,243.82

LAW ENFORCEMENT SECTION LAW ENFORCEMENT Personal Services $ 5,977,148.02 Employee Benefits 2,199,798.54 Current Expenses 1,510,617.99 Repairs & Alterations 40,557.78

18 ADMINISTRATION SECTION Equipment 856,893.85 Payment of Claims 1,284.74 PEIA Transfer 6,646.38 TOTAL $ 10,592,947.30

General Revenue Appropriated $ 1,896,550.66 Special Revenue Non-Appropriated 782,767.85 Special Revenue Appropriated 7,787,465.29 Federal Revenue Appropriated 126,163.50 TOTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT $ 10,592,947.30

WILDLIFE RESOURCES SECTION GAME MANAGEMENT Personal Services $ 2,756,163.78 Employee Benefits 1,100,721.28 Current Expenses 1,058,834.43 Repairs & Alterations 135,011.54 Equipment 581,139.15 Payment of Claims 89,878.69 PEIA Transfer 238.56 Medical Service Payments 532.20 TOTAL $ 5,722,519.63

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS Personal Services $ 253,715.65 Employee Benefits 55,387.89 Current Expenses 451,494.81 Repairs & Alterations 2,387,111.37 Building Improvements 139,642.00 Land Improvements 189,929.61 Land Purchases 444,800.00 Consultant Pmts for Capital Asset Proj 86,196.00 TOTAL $ 4,008,277.33

COLD WATER FISH MANAGEMENT Personal Services $ 1,091,149.42 Employee Benefits 486,801.24 Current Expenses 646,363.73 Repairs & Alterations 64,987.42 Equipment 235,806.00 Land Improvements 954.00 TOTAL $ 2,526,061.81

WILDLIFE - ADMINISTRATION Personal Services $ 530,434.45 Employee Benefits 183,036.92 Current Expenses 1,224,353.37 Repairs & Alterations 6,568.78 Equipment 64,733.63 TOTAL $ 2,009,127.15

WARM WATER FISH MANAGEMENT Personal Services $ 987,549.30 Employee Benefits 377,087.34

ADMINISTRATION SECTION 19 Current Expenses 515,055.38 Repairs & Alterations 61,616.65 Equipment 263,111.00 Capital Improvements/Land Purchases 4,850.00 TOTAL $ 2,209,269.67

TECHNICAL SUPPORT Personal Services $ 657,071.83 Employee Benefits 233,574.91 Current Expenses 177,121.47 Repairs & Alterations 3,676.93 Equipment 5,332.26 TOTAL $ 1,076,777.40

SPECIAL PROJECTS Personal Services $ 396,503.12 Employee Benefits 109,894.56 Current Expenses 193,666.87 Repairs & Alterations 11,827.50 Equipment 8,775.00 Land Purchases 500,000.00 TOTAL $ 1,220,667.05

WILDLIFE DIVERSITY Personal Services $ 556,063.00 Employee Benefits 203,324.89 Current Expenses 629,881.13 Repairs & Alterations 5,144.04 Equipment 39,690.00 PEIA Transfer 948.72 Land Improvements 20,415.00 Medical Service Payments 4,298.38 TOTAL $ 1,459,765.16

HUNTING & FISHING LICENSE UNIT Personal Services $ 170,341.91 Employee Benefits 62,491.65 Current Expenses 162,057.05 Repairs & Alterations 223.60 TOTAL $ 395,114.21

POINT OF SALE LICENSE SYSTEM Employee Benefits $ 1,480.00 Current Expenses 49,519.00 TOTAL $ 50,999.00

ELKINS OPERATIONS CENTER Personal Services $ 111,174.00 Employee Benefits 50,645.08 Current Expenses 142,901.25 Repairs & Alterations 11,211.55 Equipment 19,845.00 TOTAL $ 335,776.88

WEST VIRGINIA WILDLIFE CENTER Personal Services $ 181,362.78 Employee Benefits 63,050.43

20 ADMINISTRATION SECTION Current Expenses 67,062.44 Repairs & Alterations 13,594.69 Capital Improvements/Land Purchases 456.41 TOTAL $ 325,526.75

General Revenue Appropriated $ 320,805.01 Special Revenue Non-Appropriated 3,278,809.18 Special Revenue Appropriated 11,070,935.33 Federal Revenue Appropriated 6,669,332.52 TOTAL WILDLIFE RESOURCES $ 21,339,882.04

PARKS & RECREATION SECTION PARKS & RECREATION Personal Services $ 15,717,580.73 Employee Benefits 5,632,586.76 Current Expenses 11,792,484.05 Repairs & Alterations 2,587,507.70 Equipment 243,138.74 Payment of Claims 66,040.58 Grants and Awards 4,175.00 Capital Improvements/Land Purchases 377.12 Fund Transfer 8,195.39 PEIA Transfer 97,307.17 Debt Service Leases - Principle 172,145.00 Debt Service Leases - Interest 30,751.24 Building Improvements 55,008.89 Land Improvements 43,886.95 Building Purchase or Construction 3,022.86 Consultant Pmts for Capital Asset Proj 14,942.00 Medical Service Payments 909.57 Reclamation of State Owned Property 52,725.00 TOTAL $ 36,522,784.75

General Revenue Appropriated $ 8,959,152.67 Special Revenue Non-Appropriated 19,635,079.87 Special Revenue Appropriated 7,928,552.21 TOTAL PARKS & RECREATION $ 36,522,784.75

SPECIAL PROGRAMS & SERVICES SECTION REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT Personal Services $ 309,994.35 Employee Benefits 94,084.90 Current Expenses 99,386.71 Repairs & Alterations 922.99 PEIA Transfer 1,805.55 TOTAL $ 506,194.50

Special Revenue Non-Appropriated $ 156,704.48 Special Revenue Appropriated 349,490.02 TOTAL SPECIAL PROGRAMS & SERVICES $ 506,194.50

Grand Total General Revenue Appropriated $ 13,645,295.91 Grand Total Special Revenue Non-Appropriated 26,826,019.29 Grand Total Special Revenue Appropriated 27,876,072.49 Grand Total Federal Revenue Appropriated 6,868,664.72 GRAND TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS $ 75,216,052.41

ADMINISTRATION SECTION 21 LLLAAAWWW ENFORCEMENT SECTIONECTIONECTION David E. Murphy, ChiefChief,

The Law Enforcement Section is responsible for the prompt, orderly and effective enforcement of all laws of Chapter 20, Code of West Virginia, and rules promulgated under that authority. Of primary importance is the protection of West Virginia’s wildlife to the degree that they are not endangered by unlawful activities. A highly visible, uniformed conservation officer patrol is the only viable way to accomplish this mission. Prevention and apprehension are crucial to the enforcement goal, and the conservation officer is meeting that goal. In West Virginia, no species of wildlife is jeopardized because of illegal taking.

Law Enforcement Program • Utilized deer and turkey decoys in an effort to cur- Lt. Colonel David E. Murphy was promoted to Colo- tail “road hunting” violations. nel, Chief of the Law Enforcement Section, January 1, • Increased boating and fishing patrols on all major 2007. The Law Enforcement Section normally has a staff- Corps of Engineer lakes. ing level of 125 conservation officers and 11 support per- • Provided watercraft support to various regattas and sonnel. Three conservation officers and two support per- other major river events. sonnel retired, and three new officers were employed • Participated in the overall planning and coordina- during fiscal year 2007. Six conservation officers were tion of the National Hunting and Fishing Day Expo activated for military service. at Stonewall Resort State Park. • Purchased two mini-snout boats for the purpose of The Law Enforcement Section has been actively seek- swift water rescue. ing new and innovative methods for the accomplishment of our overall mission. The following are just some of the highlights of this past fiscal year:

• Received a $3,421 grant from the National Rifle Association. The monies were used to benefit the Hunter Education Program. • Coordinated with local 911 Centers throughout the state to provide for a better response time to public complaints. • Participated in numerous public meetings to provide for a better understanding of the Law Enforce- ment Section’s goals and objectives. • Monitored various trout stockings to ensure compliance. • Placed all senior staff members in Chevy Impala • Increased ATV patrols on wildlife management vehicles, thus areas in an effort to deter unlawful entry. reducing the overall fuel Officer Training and mainte- The Law Enforcement Section takes pride in the nance cost. amount and quality of training provided to conservation • Enhanced of- officers. Officers log thousands of hours each year sharp- ficer safety ening their skills and preparing for the worst. through the installation of This fiscal year, a physical fitness evaluation for mid- new blue light career and above officers was conducted to assess future systems, front and rear, on all newly purchased ve- training needs. Several Defensive Tactics Instructors at- hicles. tended classes to observe a new concept of training older

222222 LLLAAAWWW ENFORCEMENT SECTIONECTIONECTION officers to defend themselves. These new techniques will Hunter Education Program be implemented during the upcoming training year. The mandatory Hunter Education Program in West Virginia continues to be a success. During fiscal year 2007, In a cooperative effort between the Law Enforcement a total of 7,327 graduated from 315 statewide classes. Section and the Division of Personnel, an audit of train- Volunteer instructors remain the backbone of the Hunter ing was completed to ensure the Law Enforcement Sec- Education Program. In FY 2007, 282 volunteers partici- tion was in compliance with Division of Personnel stan- pated in the Program, driving over 41,000 miles and do- dards. Training for “A Drug Free Workplace” and “Em- nating over 7,700 hours. Although the number of active ployee Performance Appraisal” was conducted and the volunteers remained the same, the number of hours and Law Enforcement Section has now met Division of Per- miles donated by this dedicated group of individuals in- sonnel standards. creased, indicating a renewed support for the Program.

In a continuing effort to be prepared for the worst in Ninety conservation officers participated in the Pro- Homeland Security, officers received training in the Na- gram, logging 2,500 hours and driving 18,800 miles. Six tional Incident Management System (NIMS).Officers Regional Training Officers, who coordinate the Program continue to attend training on Weapons of Mass Destruc- on a district level, dedicated 728 hours and traveled 9,600 tion and other Homeland Security topics. miles. Although the Program is deemed a success, the Law Enforcement Section is making every effort to pur- Law enforcement officers must complete a minimum chase new and updated materials for the hunter education of 16 hours training annually in order to meet the Law students. Enforcement Training Committee Standards. Officers in the Law Enforcement Section continually exceed these minimum standards. In addition, all six districts conduct four regional training sessions annually, consisting of one unit of Defensive Tactics and three units of Firearm instruction.

Continuing with the Hunter Education Program alter- native audience philosophy, the Law Enforcement Sec- tion conducted several successful hunts for the disabled at Snowshoe Mountain, Jennings Randolph Lake, and at a private hunting club in Tyler County.

The Law Enforcement Section maintains a toll-free The Section continues to provide instructors to other Hunter Education Hotline (1-800-243-9968) which pro- law enforcement agencies to assist them in meeting their vides class schedules to anyone interested in attending a Law Enforcement Training Committee standards. class. In addition, class information and registration can be accessed on the DNR Web site, www.wvdnr.gov. Several out-of-state seminars were attended by officers. These included: The National Association of State During fiscal year 2007, West Virginia experienced Boating Law Administrators Conference, The National seven Class A hunting incidents, resulting in no fatalities. Water Safety Conference, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife There were 15 Class B hunting incidents, resulting in six Hunter Education Region 5 Training. Four officers at- fatalities. All six fatalities were from heart attacks. Of the tended the National Marine Patrol Officer Course con- 15 Class B hunting incidents, six were tree-stand related. ducted at the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center in Charles- A Class A hunting incident is defined as a hunting related ton, SC. injury resulting from the discharge of a firearm or bow. A Class B incident is defined as a hunting related injury.

LLLAAAWWW ENFORCEMENT SECTIONECTIONECTION 232323 Officers across The Section utilizes the media to get the message out on the state have partici- mandatory education, but the public is slow to enroll in pated in numerous the class. sporting and hunting shows, attended sum- West Virginia was represented at the NASBLA Con- mer camps and other ference, National Water Safety Summit, the U.S. Coast special events such as Guard Boating Law Administrators Training, and the the Governor’s Youth Southern States Association of Boating Law Administra- Challenge, JAKES tors meeting. The Section participated in National Safe Day, and 4-H activities Boating Week and National Recreational Boating Week to promote the Hunter with news releases and various TV and radio interviews. Education Program. A renewed emphasis on boating patrols and boating The Law Enforcement Section has worked with the safety was undertaken this spring to address the increas- media to spread the safe hunting message through TV ing accident rate. Four conservation officers attended the and radio interviews. National Marine Patrol Officer Course in Charleston, South Carolina. The State Hunter Education Coordinator attended training in Connecticut, conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 5, on administering the Federal Aid Grant for Hunter Education. At the request of the International Hunter Education Association, the State Coordinator also conducted a New Administrators Acad- emy for new state administrators of the Hunter Education Program. In keeping with tradition, West Virginia was represented at the International Hunter Education Asso- ciation Conference.

Boating Safety/Education Program West Virginia has more than 53,000 boats registered, representing more than 100,000 residents and many non- residents who take advantage of the recreational activities Whitewater Enforcement Program on the waters of this state. Operator inexperience and lack The Division of Natural Resources Law Enforcement of training contribute to the number of accidents that occur Section has the responsibility of regulating the Commer- each year on the state waterways. Also contributing to the cial Whitewater Industry in West Virginia. This includes accident rate, was the number of persons operating water issuing all licenses, collecting all fees, maintaining all craft under the influence of drugs or alcohol. During fiscal records of outfitters, and investigating new license appli- year 2007, West Virginia experienced 25 boating accidents cations. resulting in 17 injuries and 10 fatalities. Conservation officers in West Virginia patrol rivers Each year, a boating safety class is offered in each of in whitewater areas to ensure compliance with state law the 55 counties; however, few take advantage of them. and regulations. Chapter 20 of the State Code allows for The mandatory boating safety education course took ef- five study rivers in West Virginia, the New, Gauley, Cheat, fect January 1, 2001. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Tygart, and Shenandoah. Commercial whitewater rafting the U.S. Power Squadrons, and the National Association companies must have a commercial license to raft cus- of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) have approved tomers on these rivers or any other river in the state. Pe- on-line courses. The WVDNR Law Enforcement Section riodically, officers will conduct counts on these study riv- officers assist in teaching these classes. In fiscal year 2007, ers to report to the Whitewater Commission as to the num- 36 classes were taught and 286 students successfully com- ber of customers utilizing these areas. Officers also make pleted the course. These statistics do not include the ef- random checks on whitewater areas to ensure that outfit- forts of the Auxiliary, Power Squadrons, or Web-based ters have all required safety equipment, and that guides NASBLA approved courses. Anyone born after Decem- have all necessary training requirements. Conservation ber 31, 1986, is required to successfully complete a officers also investigate all major accidents concerning NASBLA approved course before operating a motorboat. commercial whitewater rafting companies. In West Vir-

242424 LLLAAAWWW ENFORCEMENT SECTIONECTIONECTION ginia, there are 38 licensed commercial whitewater out- During fiscal year 2007, the Law Enforcement Sec- fitters. In fiscal year 2007, approximately 200,000 cus- tion made a decision to eliminate the whitewater sergeant tomers were hosted on whitewater rivers in West Virginia. position and move whitewater enforcement activities to the districts. This decision greatly reduced the mileage and other expenses needed to accomplish the task of assuring the public's safety while engaged in whitewater related recreational activity.

The Law Enforcement Section has trained all conservation officers in swift water rescue. Additional classes are planned to train new hires and provide enhanced training to all officers.

In fiscal year 2007, the Law Enforcement Section obtained two mini-snout inflatable pontoon motorboats. This highly stable boat allows officers to respond to flood situations and other water-related emergencies. Officers in Districts 1 and 4 received training on this craft in May.

LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY JULY 1, 2006 - JUNE 29, 2007

CLASSIFICATION OF HOURS LEAVE ARRESTS WARNINGS PUBLIC MEETINGS COMPLAINTS

DISTRICT SICK OTHER ANNUAL NUMBER RECEIVED CONTACTS TOTAL HOURS OTHER ARRESTS OTHER WARNINGS CHAPTER 22ARRESTS CHAPTER 20 ARRESTS CHAPTER 20WARNINGS CHAPTER 22WARNINGS SPECIAL DETAIL HOURS OTHERS INVESTIGATED OTHERS REGULAR WORK HOURS WORK REGULAR WILDLIFE DAMAGE INVEST.

ONE 0 40490 40490 3994 212 2633 831 143 190 296 133 92 159 17110 1865 239 1111

TWO 0 28903 28903 2897 336 2010 627 84 75 197 75 43 81 4114 1521 430 1094

THREE 0 32988 32988 3411 1362 2925 661 124 135 302 146 106 85 9777 1144 392 760

FOUR 0 35294 35294 2986 766 2623 620 165 180 327 180 82 52 11722 1493 275 1193

FIVE 75 28460 28535 2167 352 1596 854 113 45 727 229 43 96 30223 1125 117 973

SIX 65 27038 27103 2893 986 2230 523 116 134 109 237 25 178 11375 871 116 752

TOTALS: 140 193173 193313 18348 4014 14017 4116 745 759 1958 1000 391 651 84321 8019 1569 5883

LLLAAAWWW ENFORCEMENT SECTIONECTIONECTION 252525 REPORT OF PROSECUTIONS BY CHARGE FY 2006 - 2007 HEADING AND CHARGE DISTRICT TOTAL ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX

LITTERING LITTERING, HIGHWAY 30 22 18 17 14 18 119 LITTERING, STREAM 8 5 12 11 23 19 78 LITTERING, PRIVATE PROPERTY 47 25 31 31 24 21 179 LITTERING, PARK OR PUBLIC PROPERTY 12773222 OTHER LITTERING VIOLATIONS 021234324

TOTAL LITTERING 86 56 80 69 68 63 422

LICENSE RESIDENT HUNTING WITHOUT LICENSE 30 12 13 25 35 21 136 RESIDENT FISHING WITHOUT LICENSE 76 47 43 44 130 37 377 IMPROPER HUNTING LICENSE 2300207 MAKING FALSE APPLICATION - HUNTING LICENSE 1011306 HUNTING WITHOUT CLASS A-1 LICENSE 1000001 HUNTING DEER WITHOUT CLASS N LICENSE 155124128 FISHING PARAPHERNALIA IN POSSESSION WITHOUT LICENSE 16 16 13 10 9 1 65 HUNTING PARAPHERNALIA IN POSSESSION WITHOUT LICENSE 33053014 HUNTING BEAR WITHOUT BEAR DAMAGE STAMP 1001002 HUNTING WHILE LICENSE REVOKED 0100012 FISHING WHILE LICENSE REVOKED 0010001 HUNTING MIGRATORY BIRDS WITHOUT FEDERAL STAMP 0000101 TRAPPING WITHOUT LICENSE 1000203 MAKING FALSE APPLICATION - HUNTING & FISHING LICENSE 1211005 NON-RESIDENT HUNTING WITHOUT LICENSE 12 11 7 10 4 10 54 NON-RESIDENT FISHING WITHOUT LICENSE 11739486111 IMPROPER FISHING LICENSE 0010001 MAKING FALSE APPLICATION - FISHING LICENSE 0110002 OTHER LICENSE VIOLATIONS 264567250

TOTAL LICENSE 196 178 96 109 208 79 866

HUNTING LOADED GUN IN VEHICLE 75 43 59 54 56 52 339 UNCASED GUN IN VEHICLE AT NIGHT 011098432 SPOTLIGHTING 0121004 SPOTLIGHTING WITH FIREARM OR IMPLEMENT IN POSSESSION 6316615450 ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF WILDLIFE OR PARTS THEREOF - GAME 54 24 46 61 95 55 335 HUNTING CLOSED SEASON 51021163713102 EXCEEDING DAILY BAG LIMIT 44027017 UNCASED GUN, CLOSED SEASON 0200103 FAILURE TO FIELD TAG GAME 43 21 8 12 18 20 122 FAILURE TO CHECK GAME 23 9 6 13 35 11 97 NEGLIGENT SHOOTING 5020209 SHOOTING FROM OR ACROSS HIGHWAY 100931831 SHOOTING WITHIN 500 FEET OF DWELLING; 400 CHURCH/SCHOOL 167572643 HUNTING WITHOUT PERMISSION 56 10 34 22 17 8 147 ILLEGAL TRAPPING 02749022 HUNTING MIGRATORY BIRDS WITH UNPLUGGED GUN 2000002 ILLEGAL METHOD OF HUNTING - (MUST BE IN 20-2-5) 33230415 HUNTING AFTER KILLING LEGAL DEER 1612723848 KILLING PROTECTED BIRD 1001103 FAILURE TO STOP FOR GAME CHECK 1000001 ILLEGAL SALE OF WILDLIFE (INCLUDING BEAR) 0000044 ILLEGAL TRANSPORTATION OF WILDLIFE OUT OF STATE 0020013 ILLEGAL IMPORTATION OF WILDLIFE 1000001 VIOLATION OF BEAR LAW OR RULES 0114107 ILLEGAL KILLING OR TAKING OF DEER, TURKEY OR BOAR 11928291419110 INSUFFICIENT OR NO BLAZE ORANGE 16 21 10 8 3 13 71 HUNTING ON SUNDAY 41343419 HUNTING DEER 1/2 HR AFTER SUNSET OR BEFORE SUNRISE 6 7 10 15 6 8 52 SHOOTING AT GAME NOT PLAINLY VISIBLE 1121106 SHOOTING/HUNTING FROM A MOTOR VEHICLE 24 20 39 25 38 22 168 ILLEGAL KILLING OR TAKING OF BEAR 0011305 HUNTING WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE 1011036 ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF BEAR 0014106 HUNTING BEAR CLOSED SEASON 0210104 FAILURE TO FIELD TAG BEAR 0100012 FAILURE TO CHECK BEAR 0000101 OTHER GAME LAW VIOLATIONS 20 19 10 14 30 12 105

TOTAL HUNTING 404 234 343 322 409 280 1992

262626 LLLAAAWWW ENFORCEMENT SECTIONECTIONECTION HEADING AND CHARGE DISTRICT TOTAL

FISHING TAKING FISH BY ILLEGAL METHOD 0002002 EXCEEDING DAILY CREEL LIMIT 46572024 ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF FISH, MINNOWS AND AQUATIC LIFE 0010203 TAKING FROGS DURING CLOSED SEASON 0100001 USING PROHIBITED BAIT IN RESTRICTED AREA 0810231042 FISHING WITHOUT PERMISSION 04241112 TAKING FISH BY POISON OR EXPLOSIVES 0010001 OTHER FISHING VIOLATIONS 50786026

TOTAL FISHING 9 19 26 44 12 1 111

BOATING OPERATING UNREGISTERED WATERCRAFT 1637112544 OPERATING WATERCRAFT WITHOUT PROPER EQUIPMENT 206001725 INSUFFICIENT NUMBER OF LIFE PRESERVERS 34 45 30 6 20 27 162 OVERLOADING A WATERCRAFT 209001223 IMPROPER LOCATION OR SPACING OF NUMBERS ON WATERCRAFT 3000003 RECKLESS OPERATION OF WATERCRAFT 90110213 CREATING A WAKE IN A NO-WAKE ZONE 301911024 PULLING SKIER WITHOUT OBSERVER OR MIRROR 60101311 SKIING WITHOUT A LIFE PRESERVER 2010003 NONE OR NO APPROVED EQUIPMENT 1000135 OPERATING A WATERCRAFT IN RESTRICTED AREA 0000303 FAILURE TO REPORT A BOATING ACCIDENT, IF REQUIRED 0000011 OPERATING WATERCRAFT WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE 1010002 OTHER BOATING VIOLATIONS 706021328

TOTAL BOATING 86 48 81 9 40 83 347

WASTE MANAGEMENT OTHER HAZARDOUS WASTE VIOLATIONS 2000013 CONTRIBUTING TO AN OPEN DUMP 11791892074 UNPERMITTED SOLID WASTE FACILITY 1000001 ENDANGERMENT BY WASTE DISPOSAL 0100089 OTHER SOLID WASTE VIOLATIONS 33 17 33 58 41 25 207

TOTAL WASTE MANAGEMENT 47 25 42 76 50 54 294

POLLUTION STREAM POLLUTION 0003014 CONSTRUCTION WITHOUT A PERMIT 0000101 OTHER POLLUTION VIOLATIONS 0001001

TOTAL POLLUTION 0004116

FORESTRY ILLEGAL BURNING 42 25 12 29 9 13 130 ABANDONING A FIRE 62113417 STARTING FIRE ON LANDS OF ANOTHER 000011213 PERMITTING A FIRE TO ESCAPE 191010223 FAILURE OF RR COMPANY TO CLEAR RIGHT-OF-WAY 0000101 VIOLATING STATE FOREST REGULATIONS 140008022 VIOLATIONS OF GINSENG REGULATIONS 2000002 OTHER FORESTRY VIOLATIONS 1201786245

TOTAL FORESTRY 77 36 31 38 48 23 253

GENERAL VIOLATION OF PARK REGULATIONS 42021386815166 WITHHOLDING INFORMATION 639911139 OBSTRUCTING,HINDERING, OR INTERFERING WITH OFFICER 91357227 CONSPIRING IN A VIOLATION OF CHAPTER 20 18931295023160 OFFENSE OUTSIDE CHAPTER 20 11645497928110427 VIOLATION OF FUR DEALERS REGULATIONS 0000112 VIOLATION OF NATIONAL FOREST REGULATIONS 02530010 DRUG RELATED VIOLATION 20 10 8 30 8 6 82 CONSPIRING IN A FISHING VIOLATION OF CHAPTER 20 30140311 MISCELLANEOUS VIOLATIONS 40 16 8 17 21 9 111

TOTAL GENERAL 216 106 135 214 194 170 1035

TOTAL ALL PROSECUTIONS 1121 702 834 885 1030 754 5326

LLLAAAWWW ENFORCEMENT SECTIONECTIONECTION 272727 PROSE CUTION PROGRAM Amounts As s es s ed Dispositions of Prosecutions NUMBER OF FAILED COUNTY PROSECUTIONS FINE S COSTS CONVICTED DISMISSED ACQUITTED TO APPEAR Barbour 73 $2,854.00 $7,990.00 71 2 0 0 Berkeley 167 $6,058.50 $18,042.00 141 11 1 14 Boone 85 $1,965.00 $7,101.50 69 15 0 1 Braxton 68 $1,898.10 $7,498.50 53 15 0 0 Brooke 72 $2,276.00 $10,262.50 70 2 0 0 Cabell 29 $640.00 $2,568.00 20 9 0 0 Calhoun 34 $6,851.60 $3,595.50 27 4 0 3 Clay 46 $3,180.00 $5,178.40 35 11 0 0 Doddridge 18 $635.00 $2,568.00 18 0 0 0 Fayette 155 $4,665.90 $13,184.21 111 17 0 27 Gilmer 12 $204.50 $802.50 7 5 0 0 Grant 77 $4,710.00 $9,679.00 75 2 0 0 Greenbrier 188 $10,297.75 $21,562.46 181 7 0 0 Hampshire 118 $5,865.00 $16,429.50 112 2 0 4 Hancock 36 $1,286.00 $4,209.50 30 6 0 0 Hardy 50 $2,134.50 $5,275.50 37 13 0 0 Harrison 170 $6,785.02 $21,195.50 165 5 0 0 Jackson 106 $2,575.00 $6,639.50 53 37 0 16 Jefferson 162 $5,682.10 $17,340.61 118 17 0 27 Kanawha 181 $5,604.50 $11,381.00 93 67 0 21 Lewis 165 $5,375.50 $16,193.50 153 6 0 6 Lincoln 87 $2,180.00 $7,222.00 68 11 0 8 Logan 254 $4,467.00 $18,466.50 149 105 0 0 McDowell 144 $4,666.00 $16,768.70 117 27 0 0 Marion 94 $2,316.00 $10,178.50 79 15 0 0 Marshall 109 $4,974.80 $10,272.00 91 6 0 12 Mason 155 $4,741.40 $14,207.61 105 43 1 6 Mercer 44 $1,792.20 $4,876.27 41 3 0 0 Mineral 43 $2,570.50 $6,264.50 42 0 0 1 Mingo 150 $2,175.00 $10,909.00 104 45 0 1 Monongalia 182 $5,965.00 $22,299.00 166 13 2 1 Monroe 45 $1,380.25 $5,312.50 44 1 0 0 Morgan 39 $1,595.00 $5,140.00 32 7 0 0 Nicholas 169 $18,234.70 $17,842.61 138 27 0 4 Ohio 25 $845.00 $2,561.00 17 8 0 0 Pendleton 53 $1,375.00 $6,573.50 52 1 0 0 Pleasants 56 $1,335.00 $5,457.00 53 2 0 1 Pocahontas 60 $1,355.00 $6,904.50 53 4 0 3 Preston 149 $6,780.50 $16,635.00 134 14 1 0 Putnam 70 $1,576.00 $7,704.00 54 7 1 8 Raleigh 132 $6,493.20 $12,141.01 95 25 0 12 Randolph 99 $5,115.00 $11,702.00 86 4 1 8 Ritchie 107 $3,235.00 $10,586.00 86 18 0 3 Roane 74 $1,378.00 $5,782.00 47 20 0 7 Summers 108 $8,276.20 $12,813.11 94 11 0 3 Taylor 57 $1,963.00 $7,024.50 51 6 0 0 Tucker 67 $1,288.00 $6,161.50 48 19 0 0 Tyler 78 $1,861.00 $7,062.00 74 4 0 0 Upshur 97 $6,740.00 $12,002.50 94 3 0 0 Wayne 62 $747.50 $3,533.00 26 34 0 2 Webster 133 $4,449.50 $13,483.11 115 18 0 0 Wetzel 43 $3,401.00 $4,831.50 42 1 0 0 Wirt 46 $2,410.00 $4,494.00 39 6 0 1 Wood 226 $6,670.00 $26,040.00 195 26 1 4 Wyoming 56 $1,951.30 $4,537.21 40 16 0 0

TOTALS 5,325 $207,847.02 $546,484.81 4,310 803 8 204

282828 LLLAAAWWW ENFORCEMENT SECTIONECTIONECTION PPPARKSARKSARKS ANDANDAND RECREAECREAECREATIONTIONTION SECTIONECTIONECTION Kenneth Caplinger, Acting Chief

The purpose of the DNR Parks and Recreation Section is to “promote conservation by preserving and protecting natural areas of unique or exceptional scenic, scientific, cultural, archaeological, or historical significance and to provide outdoor recreational opportunities for the citizens of this state and its visitors.” This mission statement is embodied in state law and has been the guiding principal for operating the state park system since its inception in the late 1920s. Additionally, state parks and state forests serve as major tourist attractions to bolster the fame and economy of the state.

Overview The system is comprised of 35 state parks, nine state In addition to recreation, what is often times over- forests, four wildlife management areas, the Greenbrier looked is this system’s contribution to enhancing and pro- River Trail, and the North Bend Rail Trail. From rustic tecting environmental values, which in turn contribute to Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)-era facilities with lim- the overall quality of life, found in West Virginia. State ited development to massive modern resorts, from restored parks and state forests protect watersheds, provide qual- logging railroads and company towns to Civil War battle- ity wildlife habitat, prevent soil erosion, provide hunting fields, from natural areas with national significance to and fishing opportunities, and numerous other environ- areas that are primarily day-use local recreational facili- mental benefits. ties, the system offers tremendous variety and fills a number of roles. Lastly, and most importantly, state parks serve a valuable role as a cornerstone of tourism in West Virginia. In fact, the Division of Tourism surveys from out-of-state tourists constantly reveal state and national parks as the single biggest attraction that brought these individuals to our state. For the investment of tax dollars that the park system receives each year to support the system, divi- dends are repaid several times over in economic benefits. Just one example would be the numerous “mom and pop” stores throughout the state (and the taxes they in turn pay) which are dependent upon the tourist dollars they receive incidental to a visit from a nearby state park system area. System-wide Goals, Objectives, and Challenges

To the average West Virginian, they are sources of Self-sufficiency employment and recreation that might not otherwise be Park managers endeavor to make the system as self available especially in rural areas. To the state citizen-at- sufficient as possible while at the same time protecting large, they are a valuable regional source of high-quality the overall mission and resources associated with the sys- reasonably priced vacation and outdoor recreational ex- tem. Despite the remote location of some areas; inherent periences. And to the out-of-state tourist, they are among design inefficiencies at some areas dating back to periods the nation’s finest state park vacation destinations. State when maximizing local employment was a paramount parks and forests, for example, play host to numerous goal; the very low revenue production of some day use, church picnics, retreats, and get-togethers; provide a safe historical, wildlife, and forest areas; public resistance to environment for senior citizens to recreate; provide areas rate increases and entrance fees; addition to the system where children can safely learn how to swim; and pro- over the years of several “loss leader” local recreation mote family values by giving families a chance to re-cre- areas and greatly increased “cost shifts” and increases of ate the body and spirit that comes with quality time spent employee benefit costs of the past few years across all of together. state government, the West Virginia state park system has

PPPARKSARKSARKS ANDANDAND RECREAECREAECREATIONTIONTION SECTIONECTIONECTION 292929 traditionally been and continues to be one of the most year is needed versus the approximate $1 million plus operationally self sufficient in the nation. currently available.

The FY 2007 operational self sufficiency figure was Administrative Management 59 percent, compared to 58 percent the prior year. The To support the 49 units that comprise the system in last half of the fiscal year saw good revenues despite in- FY 2007, there were some 430 full-time employees, 1,000 creased gasoline prices. hourly employees at the peak of seasonal employment, and several major park concessionaires. To meet admin- Fiscal Year 2007 revenues increased by 3 percent or istrative demands, Parks used six statewide general ad- $787,948 over FY 2006 making FY 2007 the best total ministrative personnel. These are a Chief (vacant since revenue year in system history. Cacapon in particular has 01/03/2006), a Deputy Chief who is in charge of opera- performed very well revenue-wise the last two fiscal years. tions, a Business Manager, and three District Administra- Current plans call for major expansion of Cacapon, Black- tors. In addition, there are two technical program admin- water Falls, and Twin Falls revenue producing facilities, istrators in the form of an Assistant Chief in charge of which should have a major revenue and self-sufficiency Planning, Engineering, and Maintenance (PEM), and a impact when complete. Coordinator in charge of programming, interpretive services, special events, gift card sales, youth programs, and Of course, direct revenues do not measure the full various other special functions. Field-based park super- economic benefit of the park system. An economic im- intendents and assistants are particularly important since pact study conducted several years ago by the Marshall they play a variety of roles that are vital to the success of University Center for Business and Economic Research park operations. As general managers, they must direct very conservatively concluded that state park visitor spend- natural resources, business personnel, public relations, law ing had a total direct and indirect impact at that time of enforcement, maintenance, guest and employee safety, and $127 million on the economy of West Virginia. other programs essential to their areas of assignment. These individuals are a key factor in assuring a high level Lodge Sales of customer satisfaction as evidenced by overwhelmingly An ongoing effort to maximize occupancy in all state positive guest comment cards. park lodges, especially in the off-season, is the task of the two group sales staffers (one in Charleston, one at Pipestem Resort State Park) who market lodges and resort parks to various organizations throughout the state and country. The sales staffers are paid a base salary plus incentives for increases in lodge occupancy. Efforts include sales and telemarketing calls to corporations, state and federal government agencies, travel agencies, tour groups, and the like. Direct mailings and travel shows also are used frequently. These employees work particularly hard to attract off-season, mid-week business, which is the most difficult lodging sales challenges facing the park system. With the recent promotion of the Charleston-based sales staffer to another position, the program is being reviewed for continuation versus alternate approaches. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance Infrastructure Improvements Most of the items identified in the system-wide as- Major projects completed this fiscal year included sessment of several years ago are complete while smaller additional and ever evolving needs remain. the new 75-room Chief Logan Lodge, replacement of the Camp Creek water reservoir, restoration of the Putnam- Houser House on Blennerhassett Island and boiler replace- Minority Employment ment at McKeever Lodge. Construction began on a new The Parks Section desires to increase the represen- sewage treatment plant at Beech Fork State Park, a new tation of minority groups in the work force. There is a rest room building at Carnifex Ferry, and the platform commitment to add protected classes within the Division building at Canaan Valley. One of the biggest challenges of Personnel framework that governs the selections for facing Parks at this time is the lack of adequate funding the classified service. for major repairs. At minimum, some $4 to $5 million per

303030 PPPARKSARKSARKS ANDANDAND RECREAECREAECREATIONTIONTION SECTIONECTIONECTION Hazardous Dams stant challenge. This section of the annual report will fo- The Dam Control Office of the Department of Envi- cus mainly on repair issues since the common themes of ronmental Protection had declared dams on several ar- self-sufficiency, compliance programs, and similar man- eas, including Blackwater Falls, Cacapon Resort and agement challenges are described elsewhere. Tomlinson Run state parks, as being hazardous structures. Funding is being sought to remedy this. As a state statu- Audra State Park tory requirement, a monitoring and evacuation plan is kept Renovations were done to the snack bar and included current for each major dam. a new floor, new equipment and an exterior face lift. The main campground bathhouse was renovated with interior Resource Management painting, floor paint and a laundry room upgrade. The Many individuals are surprised to learn that state park park office exterior was painted and repairs were made to and forest superintendents and assistant superintendents the superintendent’s residence fireplace. A new ATV util- are commissioned as special conservation officers and ity vehicle was purchased this year. possess full law enforcement authority on the areas they manage. Consequently, game and fish law enforcement, Babcock State Park littering violations, and enforcement of other environmen- New windows were installed in two cabins and the tal laws are routinely conducted. All superintendents, as- gift shop in the administration building. This will greatly sistants, and key supervisory personnel are required to help conserve propane and reduce costs in heating the attend the West Virginia Division of Forestry’s annual administration building and will help keep down insect Wildlfire Control Training school and suppression action infestation in the cabins. A new linen/laundry agreement is taken on any forest fires which occur or threaten state was put into place starting in April 2007 with Hawks Nest lands. The Parks and Recreation Section cooperates with State Park. Babcock purchased linens for the cabins and the State Department of Agriculture and the Division of Hawks Nest took on the responsibility of laundering them. Forestry in controlling gypsy moths, hemlock wooly New sign replacement has continued throughout the park adelgid, and other insects and diseases which threaten with approximately 65 percent of the signs being replaced state-owned forests. Routine trail and boundary mainte- with the new plastic version. Sign posts were replaced or nance are carried on throughout the year. repainted as needed. This makes for a well groomed look and should make the constant sign repainting process of Individual Area and Section Activity Reports the past obsolete for many years. Several standard cabins were re-roofed in the continuing cabin maintenance pro- West Virginia parks, forests, and wildlife manage- gram. Security gates were installed at the campground ment areas differ from those in most other states because enhancing off-season security for the fuel house area. New of their added role in filling a local recreational niche cable gates were installed at the pool parking lot which occupied elsewhere by local government. Local commu- prevent access to the pool in off-season and allow Sugar nities in West Virginia often cannot afford to provide the Camp picnic area to remain open longer in the fall. recreational opportunities such as tennis courts, swimming pools, picnic areas and similar items that are a pri- Beartown State Park mary responsibility of city and county government in other Operations were routine for the summer and fall, but states; so over the years this function has come to be ex- in December a severe storm blew down about two dozen pected from state government. hemlock trees already weakened by the wooly adelgid. Several large tangles of fallen trees were removed and Because of this and other damaged sections of the boardwalk were repaired. Most factors, requirements for wooden signs on the area were replaced with new lami- maintaining the individual nated plastic ones. WCHS-TV did a short Traveling West parks, forests, and wildlife Virginia feature on the park. The hemlock trees affected management areas are quite by the wooly adelgid continue to weaken and die and varied. Facilities range from some areas along the boardwalk have already seeded in the modern development at with young birch trees. parks like Canaan, Pipestem and Stonewall to historical Beech Fork State Park structures dating from the ADA renovations and upgrades were made to the CCC days. Replacement and Lakeview bathhouse. Interior renovations to cabin #5 were upkeep of aging infrastruc- completed. Two cabins were stained. New mattresses were ture at various areas is a con- installed to all cabin beds. A security system was installed

PPPARKSARKSARKS ANDANDAND RECREAECREAECREATIONTIONTION SECTIONECTIONECTION 313131 to the park office and maintenance shop. The majority of Davis Conference Room, ongoing lodge bathroom remod- the fitness trail grant project, which included paving a eling, painting the exterior of the lodge and the Harr Cen- one mile trail, was completed. A self-registration camp- ter and completing the boiler stack stonework. A new 24- ing system was put into effect during the off season. More hour International Coffee Bar was installed and wireless than 150 wood signs were painted. All park supply and internet extenders were placed throughout the lodge pro- maintenance buildings were reorganized. Routine repairs viding better service to guests. All mattresses, box springs, to water and sewer, pool, buildings, campsites, and equip- and bed frames in the lodge and cabins were replaced. ment were completed. Ongoing cabin renovations continued and included replacing hardwood flooring in two cabins, building new Berkeley Springs State Park decks on three cabins, constructing a new handicapped Planning and meetings continued throughout the year accessible ramp on one cabin, re-upholstering furniture concerning the major renovation of the main bathhouse. and painting. The laundry building and residences were Unfortunately, the project was put on hold when bids came painted as well. The assistant superintendent’s residence in far over the construction budget. Numerous boiler re- bathroom and kitchen were renovated. All the trails repairs were made throughout the year to the main bath- ceived new reflective blazes to improve low light/night house boilers including two major leaks that had to be time visibility, several new benches were constructed and welded by specially certified contractors. The women’s placed throughout the park, and the sled run received a steam cabinet was reconditioned and leaks in the lobby new tow motor. heating registers were repaired. The swimming pool main water line was repaired, new cabinets and sinks were in- Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park stalled in the concession area and new light fixtures were The park began leasing a new sternwheeler, the Spirit installed. A new chlorine feeder was installed in the filter of South Charleston, for transportation to the island. The room. Major painting projects included the Old Roman savings from the new operation should run to over Bathhouse interior and all handrails throughout the park. Flooding of the Old Roman Bathhouse occurred on three occasions and repairs were made as needed.

Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area Renovations to the swimming pool began and are expected to be completed by the opening of the 2008 season. The eighth annual Kids Fishing Day was held this year. Improvements included painting buildings and gates and clearing roadside ditches. Campground occupancy increased for the second year in a row.

Blackwater Falls State Park Blackwater Falls had a celebration in 2007 commemo- rating the Lodge’s 50th anniversary. During the celebra- $200,000 annually. Several new evening programs were tion year extensive repairs and remodeling were accom- developed including Island Frolic, Family Fireworks plished including remodeling the registration desk, refin- Cruise, and the Sunday Sundae Cruise. Two deer drives ishing of all the tables and chairs in the restaurant and were held on the island and the estimated count was 131 deer, a level that was high enough to schedule a second controlled hunt on the island. The Blennerhassett Foun- dation continued restoration work on the Putnam-Houser house on the island with completion of the hallway and parlor and addition of heating and cooling units. Repair work was completed on the Blennerhassett Mansion and painting was scheduled for the fall of 2007. Volunteer hours for the year were in excess of 15,000.

Bluestone State Park The cabin renovation project continued with the addition of new queen size mattresses to all cabins. Three cabins received new furnaces. The ADA cabin kitchen

323232 PPPARKSARKSARKS ANDANDAND RECREAECREAECREATIONTIONTION SECTIONECTIONECTION and bathroom floors were replaced and the ceilings were The bathhouse at the equestrian campground was remod- painted in 15 cabins. The park received and installed many eled with new mold-resistant coating, new ceiling, paint, new plastic laminate signs. Two boat docks were replaced and fiberglass shower stalls. Fire rings were replaced in at the East Shore Campground. the Blue Jay campground. A new security camera system was installed in the park office gift shop area. The park Bluestone Wildlife Management Area hosted the annual Bluegrass Day and Fall Festival spe- Revenue was nearly $40,000 for the year and atten- cial events. The park foundation began raising funds for dance was over 100,000. Volunteers performed more than construction of an amphitheater. 1,400 hours of labor on the area during the fiscal year. Maintenance included mowing and other routine work. Canaan Valley Resort State Park Improvements were made to the Red Sulfur Turnpike Trail The Harr Barn, a long standing landmark at Canaan to allow trout stocking vehicles to use it for access to Valley, partially collapsed and was demolished. A new Indian Creek.

Cabwaylingo State Forest Electric and lighting upgrades were made to the pool bathhouse, office, and maintenance shop. New environ- mentally sensitive compact fluorescent light bulbs were used throughout. The group camp and swimming pool pump house was rewired. Four cabins were painted and all cabin furniture was refinished and reupholstered by Prison Industries. All signs on the area were replaced with the new polymer signs installed on new posts. The hill- side adjacent to the group camp was cleared of trees and brush. Tick Ridge Shelter was painted and chinking was repaired. ADA compliant parking area was constructed at the ten- Cacapon Resort State Park nis court area to comply with LWCF requirements. The The park foundation completed construction of a new entrance to the main lodge and adjacent parking areas picnic shelter and donated 50 picnic tables. Staff repaired were resurfaced. The water plant facility received a new or rebuilt stone walls throughout the park. Two cabins roof and the ranger residence was renovated inside. A paint were re-roofed and new porches were built. New safety crew was utilized to paint all buildings on the park, sig- railing was installed on the dam. A new laundry facility nificantly improving the appearance of the area. A con- was put into operation and the bathhouse floors were sand- sulting firm was retained to conduct a financial feasibil- blasted and painted. Consultants were retained for con- ity study on the construction of new lodging accommo- struction and feasibility plans for the lodge expansion. dations using private investment.

Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park A new rest room building was completed in the picnic area. The maintenance shop, museum, residence and other buildings all received a new coat of stain. All signs in the park were replaced with new plastic signs.The museum was remodeled to convert a small room into a gift shop and a new flat screen TV was purchased to accommodate larger groups watching the video of the park history.

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park Houses 135, 139, 227, 231, 334, 260, 262, and the caretaker’s house were given major renovations. Foun- Camp Creek State Park dation repairs and drainage, new skirting and guttering, A new law enforcement training area was constructed new porch decks, railings, stairs, and boardwalks, win- on the state forest side to provide a permanent training dow repairs, sheetrock repairs and repainting, new trim and qualification range for special conservation officers. and hardwood flooring and refinishing of old flooring,

PPPARKSARKSARKS ANDANDAND RECREAECREAECREATIONTIONTION SECTIONECTIONECTION 333333 car #2’s engine and transmission were rebuilt, and motor- cars 1 and 2 were repainted. A filtration system for the locomotive water supply was researched, purchased and installed to reduce wear to internal parts. Remediation of a century of oil contamination of the railroad and yard was undertaken by contractor. Contaminated ballast was removed, and remaining ballast was successfully treated with microbes to reduce contamination. In conjunction with this effort, full implementation of an environmen- tally friendly soy-based gear lubricant was achieved without undo wear to the park’s historic locomotives. Another vista was cleared at Whittaker Station for guests’ enjoy- kitchen and bathroom redecoration including new cabi- ment. Electronic defibrillators and an EMS radio were nets were typical of work undertaken. Some furnishings installed on the trains for public safety, and staff was ac- were constructed in house. A program to upgrade the storm quainted with their use. doors on all rental houses was completed. The Doctor’s House was further stabilized with installation of gutter- Cathedral State Park ing and foundation drains. The number of rental houses is A new sign for the National Natural Landmark des- now up to 18, with two more virtually ready and awaiting ignation was installed at the beginning of the trail system furnishings. The exteriors of 18 houses were prepped, along with a new interpretive sign paid for by a grant primed and painted, as were about 30 percent of the town’s from the group Frontiers to Mountaineers. The playground picket fences. The railroad crosswalks were painted as equipment was upgraded, the maintenance garage was well. The mill ruins observation platform was rebuilt. painted and major renovations were done to the residence including a new roof, remodeled kitchen and bathroom, For the first time a panoramic orientation and inter- and new carpet. pretive sign was designed and installed at the Bald Knob overlook platform. The history of house #236 was thor- oughly researched in accordance with the park’s Master Plan for future reference in its use as a model mill worker’s house. One entire block’s water main and service connec- tions were replaced due to deterioration. As part of this project a fire hydrant was installed in the town for the first time. Repairs and improvements were made to the failed storm drain system under the company store building and front parking area. Three of the park’s older pickup trucks, dating to 1990, received bodywork and new paint. High speed internet and networking of administrative com- puters was achieved in the headquarters. Cedar Creek State Park A new parking area was constructed at Shelter 1 along Shay #4 was reassembled, repainted, and returned to with drainage improvements and a new accessible grill service after nine years of inactivity due to major repairs. and water fountain. Work continued on the interior of the Shay #5 was re-flued, and Shay #11’s crown and pinion swimming pool bathhouse with the installation of a ceil- gears were welded up and machined to reverse decades ing. The exterior of the equipment shed was renovated. of wear. Passenger car #2 was completely reconstructed Staff assisted Allegheny Power with installation of 1,700 from the frame up due to deterioration. This presented feet of underground power line at the campground. New the opportunity to provide a reservable seating option for concrete pads were poured on four campsites and two guests. The seating was reconfigured, the car interior was additional sites received fire ring pads. insulated and fitted with oak paneling and flooring, a flex- ible rubber roof and double hung windows were installed. Chief Logan State Park It was dubbed the “Leatherbark Creek” and tickets are The new Chief Logan Lodge opened at the begin- selling at a premium. ning of FY 2007. The recreation center is still in the planning stages. The water slide was upgraded with new stair A track maintenance car was remodeled into a dump railings and the high dive was lowered two feet for safety bed for more easily laying off ballast for repairs. Motor- purposes. New outdoor lighting was installed at the pool.

343434 PPPARKSARKSARKS ANDANDAND RECREAECREAECREATIONTIONTION SECTIONECTIONECTION A new entrance sign, new sidewalk, and handrails were A new trail adoption program installed at the amphitheater. The park hosted the annual was devised and implemented Sue Browning Wildflower Hike, Civil War Re-enactment, to organize volunteer labor on Shawnee Living History Trail, and Christmas in the Park. the trail.

Coopers Rock State Forest Greenbrier State Forest Staff assisted the Coopers Rock Foundation with con- One campsite received struction of a three mile hiking trail that parallels the main modifications and improve- road. Several culverts were installed and gravel was spread ments to make it ADA compli- on 1,100 feet of the trail surface. Several new fire rings ant. Other improvements in the and grills were installed in the picnic area. A large bridge campground included a coat of was built on the Mount Chateau hiking trail. Four memo- paint for the bathhouse interior, rial benches were placed along the walkway to the scenic installation of a new fiberglass overlook, funded by family members of frequent Coo- shower stall in the women’s room at the bathhouse and pers Rock visitors. Tree contractors trimmed and wid- replacement of the conventional tank water heater with a ened the electric right of way from the office to the pond. tankless water heater. Bathrooms of four cabins were remodeled with new floor tile, ceilings over the shower Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park stalls and heater units. Additional electrical circuits and outlets were added in the kitchens of three cabins. The exteriors of three cabins were stained and sewer lines serving two cabins were replaced. The swimming pool bathhouse and filter building received a coat of paint. Ceiling fans were installed in the pool bathhouse. The pump house serving the swimming pool was re-plumbed. The Annual Show-Me Hike (spring wildflower hike), Greenbrier County Boy Scout/Girl Scout Day Camp, and the Civil War Re-enactment of the Battle of White Sulphur Springs were hosted by the forest.

Hawks Nest State Park The lodge received much attention this year by way The bi-annual Civil War reenactment was well at- of a facelift to rooms and HVAC repairs. Staff completed tended and included a gathering of descendents of men replacement of the fourth floor guest room air handler who fought in the November 6, 1863, battle. The Discov- and repaired plaster damaged by water leaks. Room up- ery Channel filmed a short segment of Droop ghost sto- grades included a new paint color scheme, replacing tele- ries for their program Mystery Hunters. Numerous school visions, upgrading bathrooms, new carpet in some rooms, and senior citizen groups were guided around the battle- and some rewiring to accommodate refrigerator and mi- field and several off area presentations were made for crowaves in suites.The aerial tramway continued to be school and Civil War roundtable groups. The south pic- unreliable with mechanical and electrical service failures. nic shelter was painted and new electric service installed. Many of the malfunctions appear to be related to faulty New swing sets were installed at the playgrounds. Fallen old switches and circuit boards. Finding replacement parts trees were cleared throughout the year and the main road proved very difficult due to the existing equipment being through the park was improved by grading shoulders and overtaken by new technology. The tramway contractor clearing ditches replaced cliff tower walking arm pins and also rebuilt main axles on two towers. A certified electrician was contracted Greenbrier River Trail to provide technical assistance with electrical faults and Improvements in the Marlinton section included two to determine future operation repair or upgrade costs. A bike racks, six park benches, and 500 feet of split rail new commercial in-house laundry was developed to clean fencing. Parking areas were built at Renick, Anthony and the lodge linens as well as summer Babcock cabin linens. Buckeye. Five miles of trail were resurfaced with lime- The laundry replaces the rental linen service which was stone sand. The West Virginia Department of Environ- providing product not of the quality required in the hos- mental Protection removed five tons of scrap metal and pitality industry. Winter Dinner Theater special events con- household trash from a site on trail property in Marlinton. tinued to draw sell-out crowds, which increased room oc- The trail website and brochure were revised and upgraded. cupancy as well as restaurant business during off season.

PPPARKSARKSARKS ANDANDAND RECREAECREAECREATIONTIONTION SECTIONECTIONECTION 353535 beds and improved bedding and all cabins received new bedspreads. A new snowplow was secured just in time for winter. Two of the bays in the maintenance building were gutted and transformed over the winter months into a useful maintenance shop with proper lighting, wiring, and heat. The old shop was converted to equipment storage.

Laurel Lake Wildlife Management Area Due to the superintendent vacancy for much of the year, no major projects were undertaken. Routine maintenance was performed by staff.

The restaurant continues to perform well with the food Little Beaver State Park service concessionaire. Replacement of pressure treated The museum area in the park office building was re- boardwalk decking was completed as the first phase of organized and consolidated. An ADA accessible boat dock the very popular Lovers Leap hiking trail. Golf course was constructed and eight new paddle boats were pur- play improved this season with incentive rates during eve- chased. Entrance gates were installed, which helped cut nings. The incentive rate was developed in effort to pro- down on criminal activity and vandalism. All of the trails mote play and attract players at 18-hole golf courses in were blazed with plastic trail markers and a new trail map the surrounding areas. Comments from golfers have been was produced. The sewer line from the campground was excellent this year, many stating that the course is in the connected into the main sewer line. The tanks for the sani- best ever shape. tary dump station were installed and connected to the sewer line. Holly River State Park Cabin renovations included replacing several logs in Lost River State Park Cabins 1 and 6. The Balli shelter was rebuilt after being New decks were constructed on two cabins while two crushed by a falling tree. Flagstone walkway repairs were additional cabins received renovations to the bathrooms. made at the Old Pavilion. The Klee Farm residence was The recreation building was heavily damaged by a fall- painted. Renovations to the linen building included ening tree and repairs were made. New windows were in- closing the walls, painting, installing new light fixtures stalled in the maintenance building and residence. More and baseboard heating. A shuffleboard court was installed than 1,000 feet of water line was replaced from the reser- by the park foundation in the game court area near the voir to the stables. swimming pool. The foundation also funded construction of a new ADA accessible paved half mile loop trail. Moncove Lake State Park Park benches and canopy swings were placed at four ar- The old campground check-in station was completely eas along the trail and handicap parking was paved at the remodeled with funds and materials donated by the park trailhead. foundation. The upgrades included expanded floor space, a new public entrance, interior rebuild from floor to ceil- Kanawha State Forest ing, new roof, new windows, a new porch and steps, a The large bathhouse in the campground received a new woodshed and new parking area. A riding mower major renovation with new fixtures, plumbing, wiring, was purchased and an addition was built on the mainte- paint and new washing machines. New benches, curtains nance shop to store it. The West Virginia Division of High- and wall panels were installed in the shower stalls. A new ways made improvements to the roadsides throughout the metal roof was installed on Shelter 3. All forest signs were park. The park hosted the Moncove Lake Kid’s Fishing either repainted or replaced. The forest office was rewired Derby after a two-year absence due to the lake draining. to accommodate the demands of the phone and computer systems. Volunteers continued to expand the Middle Ridge North Bend Rail Trail Trail system. To address the drainage problems on sections of the trail, additional ditching was done in several areas. Staff Kumbrabow State Forest continued replacing access gates, repairing barricades, The superintendent’s residence and garage were replacing culverts, and cutting back rights-of-way along the roofed. Logs were removed and replaced in two cabins. entire trail. New interpretive signs were installed on the All of the cots in the four cabins were replaced with new tunnels. A monument was placed on the trail at West Union

363636 PPPARKSARKSARKS ANDANDAND RECREAECREAECREATIONTIONTION SECTIONECTIONECTION by the Order of the E Clampus Vitus honoring Ephraim Pipestem Resort State Park Bee, founder of the Order. Room upgrades continued through the off season with 14 rooms receiving new bathrooms and upgraded heat- North Bend State Park ing/air conditioning units. One cottage was re-roofed. The park laundry received two new washers and dryers. Struc- tural repairs were made to the outdoor pool and the recreation building and new rubber membrane and deck car- peting were installed on the pool deck. A major cleanup of surplus property, scrap metal and waste oil and paint products was done to comply with WV Department of Environmental Protection regulations. Tower arm replacement was again performed on the aerial tram. Both golf course pro shops were painted and deteriorated windows and decking were replaced. Work began to replace all keyed guest room doors with new card lock systems. The park foundation purchased a playground set that was installed by staff at Shelter B. The Natural Resource Conservation Service began construction of a 28-site campground as part of the North Plum Orchard Wildlife Management Area Fork Hughes River Watershed Project. The project is Major improvements were made to the campsites scheduled for completion by the spring of 2008. The which included new grills and pads, enlarged and leveled campground will have one bathhouse along with water parking areas, tent pads, additional landscaping for pri- and electricity on each of the sites. A road resurfacing vacy and drainage improvements. A trail was constructed project was begun with paving completed on approxi- from Beech Bottom Campground to the boat launch area. mately 2.5 miles of road. An additional three miles are New signs were installed throughout the area. A retaining scheduled to be paved in fiscal year 2008. The Lake Trail wall was built behind the storage building to alleviate ero- Foundation and Little Kanawha Resource Conservation sion problems. The Wildlife Section treated aquatic growth District continued with the construction of the Lake Trail, in the lake. with approximately 10 miles completed. The park held the first annual Lake & Park Clean Up, which removed Prickett’s Fort State Park more than three tons of trash from the area. Maintenance The old work included replacing the roof on two park buildings, visitor’s center cleaning and treating the outside of all the cabins, remod- was converted into eling six more lodge guest rooms and refinishing all the an educational an- dining room tables. nex. Construction began on the Panther State Forest Blacksmith’s The superintendent’s new modular residence was de- Shop. Improve- livered and secured to the foundation. The group camp ments at the am- dining hall interior was painted along with the bedrooms. phitheater in- New bunk beds and mattresses were installed in the bar- cluded new railing and lighting system repairs. The boat racks building of the group camp. A new large grill was launch rest room exterior was painted. Painting and floor installed outside the dining hall building. replacement was done in the residence.

Pinnacle Rock State Park Seneca State Forest Three additional displays were A thorough renovation of the downstairs rooms in added in the interpretive room. New Cabin 4 was undertaken. The rooms were gutted, and sag- metal doors were installed on the ging ceiling supports and headers were jacked up and re- two handicap accessible outhouses. inforced, new gas lighting was installed and the doorway More brush was removed along separating the kitchen and dining areas was enlarged. The Route 52 to enhance the view of Pin- walls were insulated for the first time. New kitchen cabi- nacle Rock. An Emergency Action nets and pine paneling were installed, the walls and ceil- Plan was completed for Jimmy ings were varnished and the floors were refinished. Oak Lewis Lake. trim was installed and varnished. The refrigerator was

PPPARKSARKSARKS ANDANDAND RECREAECREAECREATIONTIONTION SECTIONECTIONECTION 373737 given a facelift, including a paint job, and the wood cook The old campground lift sta- stove was replaced. The floors in Cabin 2 were refinished. tion was replaced. New fire- Four steel liners for the campground’s stone fireplaces wood storage was built for cot- were constructed and installed. The water plant piping tages. The lodge lobby was re- and valves were replaced. Gates throughout the forest were modeled, two lodge room bath- repainted. New mattresses were installed in all cabins. rooms were renovated and three cottages were stained. Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park Two cottages received new The resort operator, now in the fifth year of opera- parking areas and the front tion, continues to operate the resort with a high level of decks were extended on two guest satisfaction. Unfortunately, project revenues con- additional cottages. The pro tinue to be insufficient to cover bond debt repayment and shop landscaping was up- the project is in technical bond default. Guest comments graded and 50 American continue to reveal satisfaction with quality experiences Chestnut trees were planted on the park. New directional in lodging, camping, dining and other recreational ameni- and trail signs were installed throughout the area. Archi- ties. Sales and marketing staff are diligently seeking busi- tectural and engineering work continued on the lodge ex- ness from both conferences and vacationers. For the third pansion project. year in a row, the American Automobile Association awarded Stonewall Resort the prestigious Four Diamond Tygart Lake State Park Award for service excellence, quality facilities, and memo- A second room in the lodge was upgraded to Execu- rable guest experiences. The golf course was certified this tive Suite standards with a sliding door opening onto a year as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary from Audubon deck overlooking the lake, big screen television with VCR/ International by demonstrating a commitment to the en- DVD player, small refrigerator and microwave and two vironment in management practices. The park was queen size beds. All cabin driveways and walkways were awarded a $358,720 Transportation Enhancement Grant re-graveled. The park foundation funded a new 20’x 24’ for the construction of two pedestrian/biking bridges and picnic shelter. A new parking lot was built at Shelter 3 to a boardwalk which will connect the day use area with the relieve parking problems associated with large groups. lodge. The West Virginia Division of Highways built a new retaining wall along the lodge parking lot. Wireless Internet Tomlinson Run State Park service was added to the lodge and the kitchen fire sup- Both bathhouses at the campground were painted in- pression system was upgraded. Two overlooks were side and out. New plastic signs were installed in the camp- cleared providing a view of the lake. ground area replacing the old wooden signs. Both rest rooms in the campground check-in building were painted. Valley Falls State Park A concrete pad was poured at the campground shelter. A new Trail Cruiser vehicle was purchased for trail maintenance, night searches and routine work. One and Tu-Endie-Wei State Park one-half miles of Deer Trail was widened to ten feet, cul- (Point Pleasant Battle verts were installed and the surface was graveled to allow Monument) it to be used by emergency vehicles and to provide a fire Two diseased pine trees break from the railroad. New lights were installed in the were removed from the Kanawha shop and the soffit and fascia were repaired on the resi- River side of the park. Landscap- dence. Materials were purchased for an expansion of the ing was improved and mulch was maintenance building. spread. All signs were painted or replaced as needed. A flood in March 2007 left a tremendous amount of debris on the Ohio River side of the park which took months to remove.

Twin Falls Resort State Park A new water heater system was installed at the swimming pool. The main playground and cottage area playgrounds received protective surfaces under the equipment.

383838 PPPARKSARKSARKS ANDANDAND RECREAECREAECREATIONTIONTION SECTIONECTIONECTION Watoga State Park • Twin Falls – Recreation Building Structural Repairs (Includes Calvin Price State Forest) (partially completed in-house) Cabin improvements included refinishing the floors • Tygart Lake – Lodge Parking Retaining Wall of all but two of the 34 cabins. Three cabins received • Watoga – Cabin Substructure Improvements kitchen and bathroom renovations. Water and sewer line replacement was done as needed. The recreation hall, office and other smaller buildings were re-roofed and a new Community Work Experience Program (CWEP) metal roof was installed on the Jarvis/Workman cabin. Major renovations to eight cabin crawl spaces were done In calendar year 2006, this program provided the fol- by contractors and included jacking up the cabins to re- lowing benefits: place rotted foundation sills, floor joists and main gird- ers. The West Virginia Division of Highways paved two • 15 participants for 6 state recreation areas miles of the park road, cleared all ditches, replaced a cul- • 1,688 hours of maintenance, crafts and general ser- vert in the Pine Run cabin area and constructed a new vice work box culvert to replace the old wooden bridge to the recre- • $9,874.80 of federal funds ation hall, thereby making the area ADA accessible. Plans were developed to convert the old airstrip area into an equestrian camping area with riding trails. On Calvin Price, Programming Section the second half of the Fort Lewis timber sale was awarded. The state park programming staff consists of an ad- Watters Smith Memorial State Park ministrator who serves as a resource for park personnel All buildings in the historical area received mainte- in the area of event planning and nature/recreation pro- nance including roof, siding and door repairs. This in- grams, marketing and interpretation. A part-time clerk cluded the barns, hog house, smoke house and carpenter assists with statewide programs such as the Very Impor- shop. New picnic tables were constructed and installed tant Parks Person (VIPP) program, the Hiking West Vir- throughout the park. An air conditioner was installed at ginia program, and gift card sales. the Old House Museum and the museum was painted as well. New fencing was installed at the stables, the baby Programs pool concrete was repaired and painted, and smoke alarms Through the nature and recreation programs held at were installed in the gift shop. state parks and forests, guests and visitors are stimulated to develop an appreciation and awareness of the natural environment. This understanding of natural resources and Planning/Engineering/Maintenance Section their importance in our daily lives leads to a commitment to the management and conservation of those resources. The following projects were completed or well un- Education through weekly programs is a key element in derway between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007: the motivation to protect and support West Virginia’s state parks and natural areas. Nature and recreation programs • Berwind Lake – Pool Repairs (currently under way) also provide opportunities for recreational activities and • Blennerhassett Island – Putnam Houser House entertainment in state park or forest settings. These dy- Renovation (currently underway) namic programs are evaluated and adjusted so that they • Cacapon – Wobble Clay Shooting Range (nearing may always meet the goals of the nature and recreation completion) program. By hosting special events and entertainment, • Canaan Valley – Platform Building the mission to satisfy guests and to promote a positive • Carnifex Ferry – Picnic Area Rest Room image is fulfilled. There are typically more than 200 spe- • Chief Logan – Amphitheater Seating Replacement cial events held each year. Total attendance for all pro- (nearing completion) grams and special events typically exceeds 120,000. • Kanawha – Dunlap Hollow Rest Room • Little Beaver – Campground (under construction Volunteers but temporarily halted awaiting funding to com- Volunteers play an important role in West Virginia plete) State Parks. They may act as campground hosts, golf • Panther – Superintendent’s Residence course starters, hike leaders, work at a museum or be a • Tomlinson Run – Stream Bank Flood Damage Re- member of a park foundation. Volunteers usually record pairs more than 45,000 hours annually in West Virginia State • Twin Falls – Campground Lift Station Replacement Parks.

PPPARKSARKSARKS ANDANDAND RECREAECREAECREATIONTIONTION SECTIONECTIONECTION 393939 PUBLIC INFORMATION Hoy Murphy, Public Information Officer

The DNR Public Information Office was established in 1986 to provide a strong, unified public voice for the Division of Natural Resources to the public and to facilitate improved communications within the Divi- sion. In 2007, the public information officer (PIO) was consolidated into the Deparment of Commerce Office of Communications. Duties include coordinating communications with DNR’s sections and acting as the official DNR spokesperson for news media inquiries. The PIO also works with the governor’s office to coordinate announcements relating to DNR projects.

Media Contacts promote and explain DNR activities and policies. The The PIO serves as the central point for media in- program is seen three times each Wednesday on cable quiries about DNR’s many activities. Information for systems throughout West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, and the general public is made available through news re- Virginia. leases distributed through fax transmissions to news organizations throughout the state and interested news Association for Conservation Information organizations in surrounding states. Copies of the re- In 2007 the PIO completed a three-year term on leases also are mailed to an extensive list of free-lance the board of directors of the Association for Conserva- outdoors writers and magazines targeted towards hunt- tion Information (ACI). About 100 conservation infor- ers, anglers, and outdoors recreationists. They also go mation representatives from state, federal and private to an extensive e-mail list of subscribers interested in wildlife organizations attended for five days of work- DNR activities. shops, seminars, and the awards ceremony for excellence in conservation communications during the 2006 These news releases also are posted on the DNR conference, held in Orlando, Florida. Web site (www.wvdnr.gov), where they are archived and remain available for review. In addition, numerous The State Fair of West Virginia personal contacts are made with individual reporters The PIO heads DNR’s State Fair of West Virginia in the promotion of events such as Hunters Helping the committee, comprised of representatives from each sec- Hungry and the West Virginia Celebration of National tion, which plans and implements the agency’s display Hunting and Fishing Day. at the State Fair held each August in Lewisburg, West Virginia. Publications The PIO is responsible for compiling information In 2006, the DNR display won first place in the for and designing the DNR Annual Report. category of “Best West Virginia Building Exhibit,” designing its presentation for the fair theme of “Tradi- The PIO is responsible for writing, designing and tions You Treasure.” Thousands of copies of DNR bro- publishing the twice-monthly DNR Employee News, chures and promotional items were distributed. which is included in each agency paycheck envelope. The newsletter also is available online at DNR Web Pages www.wvdnr.biz . Information about hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, state parks, law enforcement and all news releases “Your DNR” Television Program are available on the DNR Web page at www.wvdnr.gov, Since March 1993, the Public Information Office and that information is updated frequently. has been in a partnership with the Video Services department of the West Virginia Library Commission to A calendar of all DNR public events is updated produce a weekly half-hour program titled “Your DNR,” weekly on the front page of the Web site. which features interviews with division personnel to

40 PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE Trout stocking reports are posted daily during the ing licenses can be purchased through a secure server stocking season in the late winter and spring months, at www.wvhunt.com and www.wvfish.com, and they and these postings receive the second highest number can be printed out on the purchasers home computer of views on the State Government Internet server. printer, providing exceptional customer service.

Each Wednesday a report on the fishing and hunt- Other Responsibilities ing conditions from around the state is posted . The PIO represents DNR as a member of the national Association for Conservation Information. The Other agency Web sites include State Parks at PIO is part of DNR’s legislative team, collecting and www.wvparks.com and Wonderful West Virginia maga- tracking bills relevant to DNR on a daily basis and zine at www.wonderfulwv.com, both of which pro- distributing them to each section during the legislative vide information and opportunities to purchase mer- session each year. chandise and subscriptions online. Hunting and fish-

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE 41 RRREALEALEAL ESTSTSTAAATETETE MANAGEMENT SECTIONECTIONECTION Joe TTJoe . Scarberry, Acting Chief

The Real Estate Management Section serves the Division and the State in many capacities. Two primary responsibilities are: the supervision and administration of the Division's land acquisition and real estate title documents program and the administration of the Public Land Corporation. These main functions involve the acquisition, exchange, transfer or disposal of land and improvements. They include organizing and archiving of the real estate title documents for the Division and many other state agencies, and the everyday administration of the real estate title once lands are acquired.

Land Acquisition Public Land Corporation The acquisition function is accomplished by purchase, The Public Land Corporation holds for the State the lease, condemnation, donations, bequests, and exchanges. title to the beds of the State’s rivers, creeks and streams It involves various procedures such as: the collection of totaling some 34,000 miles or some 5,000 named water- legal data from county courthouse records; negotiations ways in the state. In the past year, 542 right-of-entry let- with property owners to obtain leases and/or options to ters were granted to governmental agencies, companies purchase; detailed physical inspections of all types of real and/or individuals to conduct construction activities in estate; the preparation of analytical narrative appraisal the State’s rivers, creeks, and streams. A total of 615 right- reports of fair market value; the holding of public hear- of-way licenses were granted for pipelines, underground ings; and the preparation of various real estate title docu- or underwater cables, and overhead power and telephone ments and real estate quantitative and status reports. lines crossing the State’s waterways. Additionally, 200 large stream structure agreements were granted for bridges The Real Estate Management Section is responsible and culverts in the State’s streams. for procedures dealing with the preparation, execution, and recordation of legal documents such as: deeds, leases, Other Functions license agreements, rights-of-way, joint interagency agree- This Section is also responsible for the up-to-date ments, easements, and land purchase invoices. It also inventory of all lands owned or leased by the West Vir- prepares numerous other types of documents for state and ginia Department of Commerce, Division of Natural Re- federal agencies, including permits, applications, agree- sources, and the Public Land Corporation. At the end of ments, and contracts. this fiscal year, the Division of Natural Resources owned or long-term leased and operated 508,811 acres of land This Section maintains a close liaison with the attor- with partial mineral rights and held title to 34,000 miles neys assigned by the State Attorney General’s Office to of the State’s river and creek beds. Division of Natural projects such as land acquisitions, court cases, and other Resources lands are broken down into 295,979 acres required real estate legal work. This Section also handles owned and 212,832 acres leased. This acreage encom- all contract boundary survey work; contract fee appraisal passes some 342 separate areas such as: wildlife manage- work; and contract consultants for engineering services ment areas, public access sites, wetlands, state park and relating to oil, gas and coal resources owned or leased by forest lands. These lands provide recreation and are of the Division of Natural Resources. great natural and/or historical significance and are man- aged for the use and benefit of the citizens of West Vir- The primary land acquisition program and the real ginia and its visitors. estate related activities are conducted on behalf of the West Virginia Department of Commerce, the Parks and Recreation and Wildlife Resources sections of the Divi- sion of Natural Resources, and for the Division of For- estry. In addition, many other state, county and local gov- ernments are provided real estate services through the Pub- lic Land Corporation.

424242 RRREALEALEAL ESTSTSTAAATETETE MANAGMENT SECTIONECTIONECTION PROPERTIES ACQUIRED

Acreage Center Branch Wildlife Management Area Maxwell Foster ...... 1.07

Elk River Public Access Site David R. Beech...... 4.76

Little Indian Creek Wildlife Management Area The Conservation Fund ...... 1036.00

Meadow River Wetland Wildlife Management Area William Miller ...... 51.000 Go Mart, Inc...... 1.250

LAND LICENSED OR LEASED TO DNR Acreage Creston Bridge Public Access Site WV Division of Highways ...... 0.4

Elk River Public Access Site WV State Rail Authority ...... 10.00

Hanging Rock Public Access Site Charles Harriott ...... 1.00*

Jodie Bridge Public Access Site WV Division of Highways ...... 5*

Sandstone Public Access Site Charles W. Boyd ...... 0.500*

St. Albans Public Access Site First Charleston, LLC ...... 0.164*

Shenandoah River Public Access Site Allegheny Energy Supply ...... 1.00

Tuscarora Creek SBPA Ralph Olean ...... 1.00*

*Renewals not included in summary of new acreages

Acreage

4 parcels acquired ...... 1094.00 0 releases; reverters; exchanges or transfers ...... 0.00 8 parcels licensed or leased ...... 11.00

Net increase for FY 2006-2007 +1105.00

RRREALEALEAL ESTSTSTAAATETETE MANAGMENT SECTIONECTIONECTION 434343 OPTIONS TO PURCHASE OBTAINED

Acreage Center Branch Wildlife Management Area Maxwell Foster ------1.07

Elk River Public Access Site David Beech ------4.76

Lewis Wetzel Wildlife Management Area Sharon Neff ------293.25

Underwood Wildlife Management Area Mark Spurlock ------14.00

Valley Falls State Park Lura Watkins (mineral interests only) ------397.8

PARCELS IN PROCESS OF ACQUISITION Acreage Lewis Wetzel Wildlife Management Area Sharon Neff ------293.25

Underwood Wildlife Management Area Mark Spurlock ------14.00

Valley Falls State Park Lura Watkins (mineral interests only) ------397.8

PARCELS IN PROCESS OF ACQUISITION: ------2 TOTAL ACREAGE ------307.25

Engineering and Survey Consultants ments relating to the use of the Division of Natural Re- The Section prepared and processed the required sources’ real estate holdings. These documents included agreements and purchasing forms for engineering and lease agreements, license agreements, easements, miti- survey services on two (2) projects. These projects in- gation agreements, and amendments and supplements to cluded boundary surveys, drafting/mapping, mineral other existing agreements. Land rights covered by these analysis and other related services. agreements included road rights-of-way, power line, cable line, water line, sewage line, and gas and oil line rights- Appraisals of-way. The staff appraiser completed eight (8) appraisals on nine (9) tracts of land and completed five (5) appraisal The processing of these agreements required close com- reviews. munication with various field and central office personnel with various other sections of the Division of Natural Re- Property Management sources and with the Department of Commerce, Division The Real Estate Management Section prepared and of Agriculture, Division of Tourism, Division of Forestry, processed, through various stages of completion, 125 docu- and other state, county and local governmental offices.

444444 RRREALEALEAL ESTSTSTAAATETETE MANAGMENT SECTIONECTIONECTION PUBLIC LAND CORPORATION The main function of the Public Land Corporation is lands to which the title is not specifically by law vested in to hold title to the beds of the streams within the state of any other state agency, institution, or department. West Virginia, and, therefore, to exercise control over the following activities involving these real estate resources: During FY 2006-2007, the various types of in-stream construction activities that were approved were channel • Dredging and/or pumping of sand, gravel, and der- changes, bridge construction, culvert construction, gravel elict coal from the beds of the streams in the state. removal, ford preparation, stream bank protection, water impoundments, fills, and pipeline construction. • Leasing areas of the beds and under the beds of the streams for the purpose of exploring for oil, gas, During FY 2006-2007, right-of-way or license agree- and other minerals. ments were issued for gas, water and sewer pipelines, underground and overhead telephone, power and fiber • Utilizing the beds of the streams for the purpose of optic cables and loading, docking and mooring agree- crossing or placing in the streams pipelines, fords, ments. submarine cables, culverts, bridges, low water bridges, dams, dikes, commercial docking, load- Licensed commercial sand, gravel and coal dredging ing and mooring facilities, recreational marinas and and/or pumping operations produced 500 tons of sand other structures. and gravel from the beds of the streams in 2006-2007, as reflected below: The Public Land Corporation also holds title to all state

2006-2007 Commercial Dredgers Report Total Tonnage Used

Company River/Creek Type Tons

C. B. Lyons Bells Creek Sand & Gravel 500

Public Land Corporation Land Sales/Transfers

(1) Purchased the W.P Rastle property on behalf of the State Armory Board for an addition to the Coonskin Armory, Kanawha County. 1.42 acres, m/l.

(2) Purchased the David S. Wheeler property on behalf of the State Armory Board for an addition to the Coonskin Armory, Kanawha County. .90 acres, m/l.

(3) Purchased the David S. and Charles D. Wheeler property on behalf of the State Armory Board for an addition to the Coonskin Armory, Kanawha County. 6.12 acres, m/l.

(4) Purchased the T. F. Ellis and D. J. Ellis property on behalf of the State Armory Board for an addition to the Coonskin Armory, Kanawha County. .607 acres, m/l.

(5) Purchased the James and Naomi Skiles property on behalf of the State Armory Board for an addition to the Coonskin Armory, Kanawha County. 3.36 acres, m/l.

(6) Purchased the Syble Rastle property on behalf of the State Armory Board for an addition to the Coonskin Armory, Kanawha County. .5 acres, m/l.

(7) Purchased the Charles and Mabel Rastle property on behalf of the State Armory Board for an addition to the Coonskin Armory, Kanawha County. .5 acres, m/l.

RRREALEALEAL ESTSTSTAAATETETE MANAGMENT SECTIONECTIONECTION 454545 WWWILDLIFEILDLIFEILDLIFE RESOURCES SECTIONECTIONECTION Curtis I. Taylorayloraylor, ChiefChief,

The Wildlife Resources Section is responsible for the management of the state’s wildlife resources for the use and enjoyment of its citizens. The primary objective of the Section is to maintain and perpetuate fish and wildlife at levels compatible with the available habitat, while providing maximum opportunities for recreation, research and education.

Administration The WRS sponsored and provided technical assistance and interviews for West Virginia Wildlife, a weekly, Promotion and Outreach 90-second TV segment shown on six newscasts on two Project WILD provides training for formal and stations in the Charleston-Huntington-Beckley market. nonformal educators across the state. In the past year, 119 educators attended eight Project WILD related workshops in the state.

Information and Education staff gave 19 presentations to approximately 1,020 people. Staff also partici- The West Virginia Outdoors and DNR Report radio pro- pated in youth education activities including Junior Con- grams were broadcast over 17 MetroNews affiliated sta- servation Camp and West Virginia Envirothon. Person- tions located throughout the state. nel spent many hours updating the hunting and fishing regulations in printed format and on the Web. In addition, Section personnel staffed a hunting/fishing show in they also wrote legislative rules. Pittsburgh in addition to the West Virginia State Fair and the Hunting and Fishing Show in Charleston. Lottery proceeds were used to publish and distribute the quarterly West Virginia Wildlife magazine. The 28- The WV Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) page publication program is continuing to introduce women to outdoor is mailed to activities. Participants in the fall and spring weekend 33,000 subscrib- workshops attended hands-on classes in hunting, fishing, ers with the re- backpacking, canoeing and other outdoor-related skills. maining 2,000 Also, the Beyond BOW program is growing to provide copies distributed women more in-depth weekend experiences on a spe- at fairs, schools cific topic. Events such as a fly fishing weekend and and upon request. women’s deer hunt have received excellent reviews. A The articles are one-day outdoor skills event for women, held in July at written by DNR Kanawha State Forest, was co-sponsored by the National employees about Wild Turkey Federation. the state’s wildlife and plants, National and the programs Hunting and used to manage Fishing Days them wisely. Lot- is like no tery proceeds other event were also used to held in West place advertisements in both electronic media (TV, ra- Virginia with dio) and print media (direct mail cards, magazines and hands-on newspapers). The ads promoted hunting, fishing, special learning op- events, the goWILD! online licensing system, and the State portunities Wildlife Center. for young-

464646 WWWILDLIFEILDLIFEILDLIFE RESOURCES SECTIONECTIONECTION sters and families in the area of wildlife and outdoor rec- Conservation Stamp that all licensed hunters and anglers reation. In fact, the objective of the event is to educate the are required to purchase. This program remains one of non-hunting/fishing public on the benefits of these recre- the most visible efforts of the Division of Natural Re- ational activities and how they support the DNR’s efforts sources, providing such facilities as wildlife management in wildlife conservation. Nearly 20,000 wildlife enthusi- areas, shooting ranges, fishing and boating access sites, asts are in attendance to try their hand at everything from areas for physically challenged sportspersons, and small archery, shooting, fly-fishing, and kids fishing derby, to impoundments. list only a few. In addition, attendees also have opportunities to sit in on several wildlife demonstrations or visit During the fiscal year, $4,381,703 was spent on capi- one of the hundred-plus vendors on hand. tal improvements from all funding sources. The largest expenditures were for fish hatchery improvements -- $2,161,925, and for the construction and repair of dams -- $1,007,868.

The year’s major projects were:

1. The construction of water treatment facilities for Spring Run Fish Hatchery.

2. Repair of leaks and concrete raceways at Reeds Creek Fish Hatchery.

3. Purchased 1,036 acres to establish the new In- dian Creek Wildlife Management Area in West Virginia Wildlife Endowment Fund Monongalia County. The Wildlife Endowment Fund received $1,000 in donations. The total market value of the fund at the close 4. Completed repairs to Mason and Dixon dams, of 2007 fiscal year was $39,541,553.59. In calendar year formerly Bailey and Lemley dams, at Pedlar 2006 there were 2,038 Lifetime Licenses sold for Wildlife Management Area. $685,369. 5. Construction of a shooting range at Pedlar Wild- Hunting and Fishing License Unit life Management Area. The Hunting and Fishing License Unit is responsible for administering all aspects of the hunting and fishing 6. Construction of a new public boat launching area license system. The unit processed 968,954 transactions on the Greenbrier River at Fort Springs. and collected $16,228,476 in license revenue in calendar year 2006. 7. Purchased property for a public boat launching area on the Elk River near Clendenin. The goWILD! online system generated over 2.5 million dollars in sales and the APS point-of-sale proved suc- 8. Completed a physically challenged walkway and cessful in completing 182,950 transactions for a total of parking area at Bear Rocks Lake Wildlife Man- over three million in rev- agement Area. enue collected. The goal for the License Unit in 9. Started the design of new public boat launching 2007 will be to add the area at Nitro on the Kanawha River. Wal-Mart and K-Mart stores to the APS system. 10. Started the design of new public boat launching area near Morgantown on the Monongahela Capital Improvements River. The Wildlife Resources Section continued an aggres- sive capital improvements program to meet the needs of Hunters Helping the Hungry hunters, anglers and other wildlife recreationists. Funds The Hunters Helping the Hungry Program for capital improvements are derived from 10 percent of (HHH) is a cooperative effort involving the DNR, the the hunting and fishing license revenues and from the Mountaineer and Huntington Area Food Banks, and a

WWWILDLIFEILDLIFEILDLIFE RESOURCES SECTIONECTIONECTION 474747 network of local food pantries, shelters, churches, and grams, reaching nearly 25,000 students within the first children’s homes. Since its inception in 1992, the HHH three years. Working with the Department of Education, Program has provided more than 850,000 meals to the wildlife organizations, and teachers, the WRS has been state’s hungry. In 2006, generous hunters donated a total able to bring an activity of 1,030 deer (43,046 pounds of nutritious meat provid- into the physical education ing 64,569 meals). Deer processing costs for the HHH class that anyone can par- Program in 2006 was $54,889.90, which was offset largely ticipate in and teach a skill in part with donations from the West Virginia Department that can be enjoyed of Health and Human Resources, Share the Harvest Sun- throughout a lifetime. day, wildlife organizations and the generosity of private individuals. Federal and State Law prohibits the use of West Virginia is one of license revenue to fund this program and the DNR must 43 states participating in rely upon the generosity of others through donations to this national program, with continue this program. similar success being experienced by state wildlife West Virginia’s Archery in the Schools Program agencies throughout the When the Division of Natural Resources Wildlife country. The West Virginia Resources Section (DNR) began the West Virginia Ar- DNR received national at- chery in the Schools Program in the fall of 2004 with 19 tention when the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and schools, the agency knew it was going to be successful. Blind (WVSDB) became the first school in the nation for In fact, this interest has allowed DNR to host trainings in the hearing and sight impaired to participate in this program. In fact, WVSDB had a team consisting of sight impaired students participate in this year’s tournament, marking the first time in the nation that a team of blind students participated in an archery tournament.

Considerable effort has allowed WRS to reach this point and a lot of credit needs to be given to the teachers and volunteers who believe in this program. Special thanks also need to be given to wildlife organizations such as the West Virginia Bowhunters Association, the National Wild Turkey Federation and the West Virginia Trophy Hunters Association for their financial donations; without them the DNR would not have been able to reach as many schools. every region of the state, reaching 256 teachers from 130 schools. Because of the success of this program, DNR Teachers interested in participating in this program, has hosted two State Archery Tournaments (with this or wildlife organizations wanting to make a donation are year’s tournament located at Braxton County High encouraged to visit DNR’s Web site at www.wvdnr.gov School), and Ripley Middle School became the first school or call (304) 558-2771. to represent the state at the National Archery Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky, in June of 2007.

The Archery in the Schools Program has become one of DNR’s largest and fastest growing educational pro-

484848 WWWILDLIFEILDLIFEILDLIFE RESOURCES SECTIONECTIONECTION Hunting and Fishing License Sales By Residency and Class Calendar Year 2006 Total License Sales

Resident

Class Description Price Number Amount A Hunting and Trapping $ 18.00 30,611 $ 550,998.00 B Fishing 18.00 82,282 $ 1,481,076.00 N Anterless Deer Hunting 10.00 61,544 $ 615,440.00 BG Big Game 10.00 4,321 $ 43,210.00 RG Additional Deer - Firearms 20.00 33,697 $ 673,940.00 RB Additional Deer - Archery 20.00 20,560 $ 411,200.00 RM Additional Deer - Muzzleloader 15.00 2,062 $ 30,930.00 X* Sportsman Hunting/Trapping/Fishing 28.00 115,266 $ 3,227,448.00 XJ** Junior Sportsman Hunting/Trapping/Fishing 10.00 8,886 $ 88,860.00 A-1 Small Arms Hunting 8.00 10,238 $ 81,904.00 DS Bear Damage Stamp 10.00 21,871 $ 218,710.00 O Trout Fishing 10.00 104,633 $ 1,046,330.00 CS*** Conservation Stamp 5.00 232,555 $ 1,162,775.00 Resident Subtotal 728,526 $ 9,632,821.00

*The listed price of X ($28) does not include the price of the CS ($5). Total price of X is $33. **The listed price of XJ ($10) does not include the price of the CS ($5). Total price of XJ is $15. ***CS includes the CS stamps sold on X and XJ licenses.

Non-resident

Class Description Price Number Amount I National Forest Hunting/Trapping/Fishing $ 2.00 17,724 $ 35,448.00 E Non-resident Hunting/Trapping 110.00 32,389 $ 3,562,790.00 EE Non-resident Bear Hunting 150.00 715 $ 107,250.00 F Non-resident Fishing 35.00 12,000 $ 420,000.00 H Non-resident Small Game Hunting - 6 day 25.00 1,013 $ 25,325.00 LL Non-resident Fishing - 1 day 3.00 49,827 $ 149,481.00 NN Non-resident Antlerless Deer 25.00 13,483 $ 337,075.00 RRG Non-resident Additional Deer - Firearms 40.00 7,739 $ 309,560.00 RRB Non-resident Additional Deer - Archery 35.00 2,494 $ 87,290.00 RRM Non-resident Additional Deer - Muzzleloader 35.00 376 $ 13,160.00 UU Non-resident Archery Deer 30.00 7,184 $ 215,520.00 VV Non-resident Muzzleloader Deer 30.00 3,262 $ 97,860.00 WW Non-resident Turkey 30.00 4,989 $ 149,670.00 XXJ Non-resident Junior Sportsman 15.00 2,226 $ 33,390.00 A-1 Small Arms Hunting 8.00 2,351 $ 18,808.00 DS Bear Damage Stamp 10.00 1,512 $ 15,120.00 OO Trout Fishing 15.00 15,226 $ 228,390.00 J ***** Small Game Shooting Preserve Hunting - 6 day 10.00 749 $ 7,490.00 CS/LE Non-resident Conservation / Law Enforcement 12.00 65,169 $ 782,028.00 Non-resident Subtotal 240,428 $ 6,595,655.00

***** Available through goWILD! Online only

Grand Total Resident + Non-resident Sales 968,954 $ 16,228,476.00

WWWILDLIFEILDLIFEILDLIFE RESOURCES SECTIONECTIONECTION 494949 Hunting and Fishing License Sales By Class Calendar Year 2006

Lifetime Agent License Sales

Adult:

Class Description Price Number Amount Adult: A-L Hunting and Trapping $ 760.00 23 $ 10,110.00 AB-L Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing $ 760.00 509 323,760.00 A-1-L Small Arms Hunting $ 75.00 86 6,450.00 B-L Fishing $ 530.00 50 17,685.00 O-L Trout $ 230.00 282 45,740.00 Adult Subtotal 950 $ 403,745.00

Infant:

Class Description Price Number Amount Infant: A-L-I Hunting and Trapping $ 380.00 6 $ 1,612.00 AB-L-I Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing $ 380.00 738 246,240.00 B-L-I Fishing $ 265.00 18 3,442.00 O-L-I Trout $ 115.00 326 30,330.00 Infant Subtotal 1,088 $ 281,624.00

Grand Total Lifetime Sales 2,038 $ 685,369.00

* Due to a rate change on April 11, 2006, the Price multiplied by the Number sold does not equal the Amount of revenue. The Price listed is the current price of the privilege.

Game Management An extensive wildlife management program is conducted on more than 1.1 million acres of national forest Habitat Improvement land located in West Virginia through a cooperative agree- The Wildlife Resources Section, Game Management ment with the U.S. Forest Service and West Virginia Di- Unit, conducts management activities on 76 Wildlife vision of Natural Resources. State wildlife biologists Management Areas (WMAs) and nine state forests total- devote most of their time reviewing national forest op- ing 410,243 acres. Acquisition of public land and wet- portunity areas, timber sales, and provide technical input lands is a high priority of the Section. One new WMA in the development of national forest plans. Management (1,036 acres) and additions to three existing areas (352 issues are closely reviewed to ensure that wildlife receives acres) were acquired in fiscal year 2007. the maximum possible benefit.

505050 WWWILDLIFEILDLIFEILDLIFE RESOURCES SECTIONECTIONECTION Management on the 76 WMAs is directed toward Environmental Reviews improving wildlife habitat. Timber management was con- Wildlife biologists reviewed numerous projects that ducted on 276 acres with additional acreages in the plan- impact on wildlife and its respective habitat. Primary ning stage. concerns are road construction, stream alteration, hydropower projects, gas line construction, surface mines, and Management activities on state and national forest other construction projects. In numerous cases, recom- lands included planting 2,265 trees and shrubs for food mendations have been made to alter projects, thus reduc- and cover, and pruning, releasing and/or grafting over 777 ing detrimental impacts on wildlife. individual trees and shrubs. Wildlife Population Surveys and Research More than 2,817 acres of wildlife clearings were Waterfowl surveys (7) and census routes for wood- mowed and 17 acres of new clearings were established. cock (20) and mourning doves (10) were conducted in Lime and/or fertilizer were applied to 146 acres and 241 cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. acres were seeded to herbaceous vegetation. Prescribed Surveys were also conducted for bald eagles (7), and song burning was used to retard vegetation succession and birds. Personnel banded 600 doves and 548 Canada geese. improve the diversity and abundance of desirable plants on 122 acres. Sharecropping agreements with local farm- Harvest and biological data were compiled for hunter- ers were signed on 1,156 acres to maintain open land. killed turkey, beaver, bobcat, fisher, deer, bear and wild boar. Sixty-two waterholes were maintained to provide a year- round water supply for wildlife. Technical Assistance Interest in managing private lands for wildlife con- Water levels on 221 acres of wetlands were manipu- tinues to increase and biologists are frequently contacted lated to encourage waterfowl utilization. DNR personnel for technical assistance. Assistance ranges from general maintained 415 waterfowl nest structures and 102 nest advice over the telephone to providing specific manage- structures for other wildlife species. ment recommendations to actually completing detailed site specific management plans. Approximately 1,000 More than 587 miles of roads and trails and 21 bridges work days were spent providing technical assistance to were maintained. Road closures were installed or main- private individuals and landowners in 2006-07. Wildlife tained at 550 sites to prevent disturbance to wildlife and Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) plans were prepared protect habitat. for nine properties totaling approximately 1,124 acres.

Numerous information and regulation signs were Information and Education erected or maintained. Four hundred eighty campsites, 22 Wildlife biologists devoted considerable time assist- boat ramps, 23 shooting ranges, 29 physically challenged ing conservation clubs, schools, community and civic hunter access roads, five fisherman access sites, and 133 clubs, Boy Scouts, 4-H clubs, sportsmen’s clubs, nature parking areas were maintained. Five parking lots, a shooting tours, fairs, training schools, and National Hunting and range, a boat dock, a boat ramp and two fishing access Fishing Days activities. Cooperation was given to uni- sites were developed. The highly successful controlled versities and colleges by serving as guest lecturers. More waterfowl hunting program at McClintic Wildlife Man- than 150 classes and lectures on conservation were pre- agement Area continued to provide quality waterfowl hunt- sented and over 100 sportsmen’s groups meetings were ing for West Virginia hunters. Approximately 41 water- attended. Numerous interviews were given to the TV, ra- fowl ponds and 22 waterfowl blinds are maintained on the dio, and print media. area including two waterfowl blinds for the physically challenged. “Sectional” meetings were conducted at 12 sites around the state in March to present proposed regulation Wildlife Transplant Program changes to sportsmen and sportswomen. These meetings Thirty-four nuisance bears were trapped and relocated also provide the public an opportunity to make recom- to more remote areas. Several additional nuisance bears mendations and ask questions. were trapped and released on site and 44 were destroyed. Special youth hunting opportunities were conducted Other numerous animal damage complaints were infor waterfowl, squirrel, turkey, and white-tailed deer. The vestigated and many of these animals were trapped and special youth hunts provide an excellent opportunity to relocated. introduce young people to the outdoors and the hunting tradition.

WWWILDLIFEILDLIFEILDLIFE RESOURCES SECTIONECTIONECTION 515151 The WV State Wild- In 2006, hunters took 256 deer in the special urban life Center continues to deer season and 85 on other special hunts. Special hunts excel as an educational were held in four cities, two homeowners associations, facility. More than the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, and the U.S. 37,309 visitors and 60 Fish and Wildlife Service National Conservation Train- group tours utilized the ing Center. area’s facilities and enjoyed viewing West Vir- Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a transmissible ginia wildlife. spongiform encephalopathy of cervids, was discovered in Hampshire County in September 2005. The Wildlife Many of the challenges and issues facing the Wild- Resources Section initiated a response plan to address life Resources Section’s Game Management and Game the disease and conducted extensive sampling efforts Management Services Units are shared by other states which have included more than 2,500 deer tested for the and agencies. A number of regional, national, and inter- disease in two years of sampling. Only 13 of the tests national organizations exist to promote information ex- were positive for the disease, indicating the disease is not change and multi-jurisdictional coordination. The Wild- widespread or is at a low prevalence. Management ef- life Resources Section is an active member/participant forts to reduce the prevalence and/or slow the rate of spread in many of these organizations and their various com- of the disease have been initiated. mittees. Notable organizations include: Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Southeastern Association Black Bear of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Northeast Association of In 2006, 1,704 bear were harvested, a 2 percent in- Fish and Wildlife Resources Agencies, The Wildlife So- crease from 2006 and the second highest harvest on record. ciety, Atlantic Flyway Council, Southeast Deer Study Bowhunters harvested 516 bears which is a 12 percent group, Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, decrease over 2005. Firearms hunters harvested 1,188 and Eastern Management Unit Dove Technical Com- bears, the highest firearms harvest on record. During the mittee. special November seasons held in Boone, Fayette, Kanawha and Raleigh counties, 149 bears were harvested White-tailed Deer in the early November one-week dog season and the late West Virginia con- November season without dogs. The good hard mast crops tinues to be one of the fa- during the year likely increased the number of bears killed vorite deer hunting in December. grounds in the eastern United States. In 2006, A total of 115 nonseasonal bear deaths occurred in hunters bagged 137,392 2006, which is slightly up from the 105 recorded in 2005. deer. These included Road kills continue as the leading cause of nonseasonal 65,923 bucks, a 16 per- mortalities with 61. cent decrease from the 2005 harvest; 39,360 The southern West Virginia black bear research study antlerless deer, a de- was designed to gather information on reproduction and crease of 17 percent; the status of bears captured as nuisance animals. Wild- 25,219 archery deer, an life Managers have handled 579 bears 1,118 times during increase of 15 percent; the study. DNR personnel and 6,890 muzzleloader observed 235 cubs during deer, a decrease of 24 winter den checks and a percent. In the special youth and Class Q deer season, mean litter size of 2.81 1,798 antlerless deer were reported harvested. cubs. There were 106 bears tagged in the study A bowhunter survey has been conducted annually area and considered avail- since 1995. This cooperative venture with the West Vir- able for harvest in 2006. ginia Bowhunters Association is an excellent means of Six of the 66 females (11 monitoring populations of game animals and furbearers percent) and 4 of the 40 as well as providing a method for bowhunters to report males (10 percent) were their observations. The wild turkey fall harvest has been reported dead during the measured accurately by the survey. hunting season.

525252 WWWILDLIFEILDLIFEILDLIFE RESOURCES SECTIONECTIONECTION Bear damage claims decreased from 201 in 2005 to Division of Forestry and Division of Natural Resources 145 in 2006. Landowners in 28 counties were paid rate the abundance of mast produced by selected tree and $98,089 in 2006--a decrease from $109,147 in 2005. shrub species. Mast indices are then formulated for each species on a statewide and ecological region basis. This Wild Turkey survey has been conducted annually since 1970 and is The 2006 spring gobbler harvest (11,735) was 7.1 important information often requested by hunters. Mast percent higher than the 2005 harvest of 10,957 birds. There abundance is also an important tool to forecast the annual was a total of 21 counties open to fall hunting in 2006. big game harvests. The harvest of 1,186 was 5 percent higher than the 2005 total of 1,130. Mast abundance in 2006 was slightly above average for the second year in a row. Scrub, red and black oak The survey of wild turkey broods is an important aid produced good acorn crops in 2006 but were down slightly in forecasting the statewide harvests and changes in the from last year, and beech again had a good year. The wild turkey popula- oaks as a group were near average in 2006 acorn production. During the sum- tion. The good acorn production was a contributing fac- mer of 2006, the count tor in the black bear harvests because this big game spe- (296) by Wildlife Re- cies was more available in December than in previous sources personnel was years. 12 percent higher than the 2005 count and 2 Ruffed Grouse percent higher than Ruffed grouse hunters experienced fair hunting for our 5-year average. grouse during the 2006-2007 season. Hunters average about one flush per hour when hunting for grouse. Brood The third and final year of the Mid-Appalachian Gob- counts were down 18 percent from last year. Most of the bler Study resulted in 89 gobblers being trapped and moni- brood reports were in the mountain counties. tored with radio telemetry. In the traditional fall hunted counties, harvest rates of adult and juvenile gobblers were The field work for the six-year Appalachian Coop- 14 percent. In the western and southern counties the adult erative Grouse Research Project was completed in Sep- harvest rate was 24 percent and 8 percent of the jakes tember 2002. The study examined the effects of late sea- were killed. son hunting on grouse as well as many habitat and environmental factors. This multi-state cooperative project is The 2006 Gobbler Survey was conducted jointly by producing a wealth of grouse research information in the the Wildlife Resources Section and the West Virginia form of dissertations, theses, scientific articles, popular Chapter of the Wild Turkey Federation. The survey serves publications, and presentations. A Wildlife Society Mono- as a means for hunters to report their observations and graph on ruffed grouse population dynamics is almost opinions about wild turkey management. During 2006, complete and a book on the ruffed grouse in Appalachia results were compiled from 267 hunters. Cooperators took is planned as a follow up to the project. 2,291 hunting trips and heard 4,983 gobblers. The gob- bling rate (55 gobblers heard per 100 hours) was 31 percent higher than 2005 (42), and was similar to our 22- Warmwater Fish Management year average (55). The Warmwater Fish Management Unit is respon- Wild Boar sible for providing maximum fishing opportunity to meet Hunters killed 14 wild boar during the 2006 season. increasing recreational demand and for protecting and Bowhunters took four and firearms hunters killed 10. The managing approximately 98,000 acres of warmwater single firearm season initiated in 2003 in late October streams and more than 22,000 acres of public impound- was designed to reduce the harvest and provide an in- ments. creased number of boar the additional time needed to oc- cupy more productive habitat. An extensive wild boar To meet this challenge, the warmwater program is survey in February 2004 confirmed low populations of divided into five areas: boar confined to one general area. 1) surveys and inventories of existing fishery re- Annual Mast Survey sources, providing essential data to assess and Annually during August, cooperating personnel in the develop management programs;

WWWILDLIFEILDLIFEILDLIFE RESOURCES SECTIONECTIONECTION 535353 2) protection of fish habitat, placing intensive efforts found in Beech Fork, Burnsville, East Lynn, New Creek, toward the review and comment on various state Plum Orchard, Stephens, Stonecoal, Stonewall Jackson, and federal permits for proposed activities that and Warden lakes. could possibly impact public fishing waters; Twelve other lakes were stocked with 8,200 pounds 3) enhancement and development of fisheries, in- of adult channel catfish in June 2007. The adult catfish creasing production and use of fisheries through were purchased with funds provided from reimbursements stream and lake improvements, and providing for pollution caused fish kills. additional opportunities by stocking desirable fish species; Hybrid Striped Bass More than 62,000 hybrid striped bass fingerlings were 4) development of public access to fishery re- released in the Ohio and Monongahela rivers in 2007. sources, ensuring adequate public access to ex- More than 17,000 hybrid striped bass were stocked in isting streams and lakes, and acquisition and/or four lakes. Hybrids over five pounds, with some up to 12 development of new lakes; and pounds, are regularly being caught from stocked waters. The New and Kanawha rivers also are providing excel- 5) outreach and information development, provid- lent opportunities to land trophy hybrids. ing the public with material concerning fishing and fish management programs. Paddlefish Efforts to restore the paddlefish in West Virginia con- Muskellunge tinued in 2006 with the successful collection and spawn- Personnel stocked 8,751 fingerling muskies in nine ing of Ohio River paddlefish. Paddlefish were hatched streams and six lakes in 2006. Advanced fingerling and raised at Palestine Hatchery and more than 1,800 ad- muskies were stocked in 2006, with Coal River, Fishing vanced paddlefish fingerlings were stocked in the Creek, North Bend, Stonewall Jackson, Upper Mud, and Kanawha, Little Kanawha and Ohio rivers. Woodrum lakes receiving 1,602 fish. West Virginia’s musky fishery is primarily sustained by this annual stock- Black Bass ing program. More than 70 percent of the reported musky More than 98,000 largemouth bass fingerlings were catches and those qualifying for trophy citations were stocked in the Belleville, Racine, and Willow Island pools caught from stocked streams or lakes in 2006. of the Ohio River; and more than 13,000 smallmouth bass were stocked in the Hannibal Pool in 2006. These stock- Tiger Musky ings represented one component of a five-year fisheries More than 1,061 tiger musky fingerlings were management plan for the Ohio River. Additionally, more stocked in Castleman’s Run, Charles Fork, Dog Run, than 24,000 largemouth bass were stocked into three small Dunkard Fork, Middle Wheeling Creek, Mountwood and impoundments. Tomlinson Run lakes. Sauger Walleye More than 52,000 sauger fingerlings were stocked More than 196,000 walleye fingerlings were stocked into the Kanawha River in 2006. in seven lakes in 2007. Additionally, more than 5,000 walleye fingerlings were stocked in the New River as part Blue Catfish of a restoration effort of a native strain of this species. More than 42,000 blue catfish were stocked in the These fish were spawned and reared at WRS hatcheries. Kanawha and Ohio rivers as part of restoration efforts of The walleye stocking program is designed to establish this native species in 2006. reproducing populations of this fine sport species in suitable waters throughout the state. Approximately 40 per- Shovelnose Sturgeon cent of all trophy catches since 1976 were from stocked More than 27,000 shovelnose sturgeon were stocked waters. in the Little Kanawha and Kanawha rivers during 2007 restoration efforts. Channel Catfish More than 204,000 channel catfish fingerlings reared at Palestine and Apple Grove hatcheries were stocked in Reservoir Management 78 waters in 2006. Fishable populations are established Fishery surveys were conducted at all 13 large reser- in the majority of these waters with excellent catfishing voirs in the state. Surveys focused on black bass and open

545454 WWWILDLIFEILDLIFEILDLIFE RESOURCES SECTIONECTIONECTION water species such as walleye and hybrid striped bass. organizations provided financial support for this new en- These inventories provide the basis for determining man- deavor. Staff are also conducting assessments of fish agement needs and evaluating management measures. spawning and nursery habitat structures in selected small impoundments and the Ohio River. Annual operational changes by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and owners of other large reservoirs require Stream and Lake Access coordination between the Wildlife Resources Section and Public boating and fishing access facility planning agencies responsible for these reservoir projects to mini- continued for the Kanawha River at Nitro and the mize impacts to fish and wildlife and recreational oppor- Monongahela River at Morgantown. The Wildlife Re- tunities during such operational changes. Information upon sources Section coordinated acquisition of stream access which to base these fish and wildlife considerations is sites on the Coal and Elk rivers. available as a result of the section’s reservoir monitoring program. Fishing Tournament Coordination Data on 2006 catch rates and fishing effort during River, Stream and Lake Research and Surveys 545 organized fishing tournaments were collected from Stream and lake fisheries management activities con- 41 bass clubs and 61 open tournament sponsors. Tourna- tinued in 2006 with emphasis on new research efforts. ments were held at 36 West Virginia sites, including 392 Smallmouth bass population assessments were conducted on lakes, 73 on the Ohio River, 39 on the Kanawha River, on the New and South Branch of the Potomac rivers. and 38 on the Monongahela River. Tournament fishing Muskellunge population assessments continued on the pressure at 110,788 angler hours, decreased by 4.1 per- Buckhannon River and Middle Island Creek. Assessment cent from 2005. When comparing 2005 results to 2006, of black bass and channel catfish population characteris- average tournament catch rate increased from 0.15 to 0.16 tics continued on small impoundments in 2006. fish per angler hour in lakes and from 0.06 to 0.17 in rivers. Fish restoration, and aquatic habitat and fishing access improvements continue in conjunction with the Trophy Fish Citation Program Marmet Locks expansion project on the Kanawha River. The Trophy Fish Citation program recognized anglers Sauger, walleye, paddlefish, shovelnose sturgeon, and blue who caught 1,025 fish, representing 28 species that quali- catfish were stocked in the Kanawha River as part of fish- fied as trophies in 2006. Of 26 waters (private lakes are ery enhancement and restoration efforts associated with counted as one water) yielding 10 or more fish citations, Marmet Locks and Dam mitigation. 66 percent were from streams and rivers, 12 percent from small public fishing lakes, 13 percent from private lakes Fisheries management staff is coordinating fisheries and ponds, and 9 percent from large public lakes. The research and management activities on the Ohio River. trophy citation program began in 1976 and has recog- These efforts include habitat and fish population assess- nized 53,428 anglers for their outstanding catches. The ments through the interstate Ohio River Fish Manage- 2004 trophy citation program marked the first year of is- ment Team. Fisheries biologists are also participating in suing length only citations in addition to the certified the Mississippi Interstate Cooperative Resource weight citation. This allows anglers to practice catch-and- Association’s aquatic nuisance species planning efforts release and still receive a trophy citation. In 2006 -- 279 to minimize impacts upon West Virginia’s aquatic re- length only citations were issued. sources. Fish Kills Habitat Enhancement The Division of Natural Resources requested finan- Fisheries management staff continued habitat en- cial reimbursement from responsible agents for two fish hancement projects in 2006. The agency continued the kills in 2006 (see table on following page). long-running and successful fish attractor project in large lakes. Recycled Christmas trees were placed as attractor structures in Burnsville, East Lynn, Summersville, Sutton, Coldwater Fish Management Stonecoal and Tygart lakes. In 2006-07 selected waters in West Virginia were Native aquatic vegetation plantings were conducted stocked with 1,171,895 trout weighing 706,964 pounds. at East Lynn and Beech Fork lakes. Anglers from Major renovations, including the construction of a waste- B.A.S.S. provided assistance during the planting and both water treatment system and new raceways, began in Sep-

WWWILDLIFEILDLIFEILDLIFE RESOURCES SECTIONECTIONECTION 555555

Fish Kills – 2006

Fish Killed Severity Stream or Lake Date Cause Number %Game Miles Degree

Pecks Run High pH Upshur County 8/7/06 treatment 11,457 60 3.00 Heavy pond discharge

Carpenter Run Truck accident Wood County 10/10/06 and 209 5 .25 Total High pH spill

2006-2007 WARMWATER STOCKINGS Blue Catfish (P) 42,826 fg Kanawha and Ohio rivers

Species and Hatchery/Source Number Size Location Paddlefish (P)(A) 1,803 fg Kanawha, Little Kanawha, and Ohio rivers Muskellunge (A) 8,751 Fg Burnsville, North Bend, Stonecoal, (B)(E) Stonewall Jackson,Upper Mud and Woodrum lakes; Bluestone, Coal, Walleye (P)(A) 201,966 fg Beech Fork, Burnsville, Cheat, East Kanawha, Meadow and Mud and Lynn, Stonecoal, Stonewall Jackson, West Fork rivers; Fishing and Mill and Sutton lakes; New River creeks

Hybrid Striped Bass (A) 80,920 fg Bluestone, Dixon, Dunkard Fork, Tiger Musky (P) 1,061 Fg Castleman Run, Charles Fork, Dog and Mason lakes; Monongahela and Run, Dunkard Fork, Middle Ohio rivers Wheeling Creek, Mountwood and Tomlinson Run lakes Smallmouth Bass (P) 13,348 fg Ohio River

Channel Catfish (C) 8,200 ad Anawalt, Barboursville, Bear Rocks, lbs. Berwind, Cacapon, Castleman Run, Largemouth Bass (A) 125,295 fg Moncove, Wallback, and Woodrum Chief Logan, Coopers Rock, French lakes; Ohio River Creek, Laurel, Little Beaver, Pipestem, South Mill Creek, Teter Shovelnose Sturgeon 27,673 fg Kanawha and Little Kanawha rivers Creek, Tomlinson Run, Tygart (A) Backwater, Wallback, and Watoga lakes; Cedar Creek, Coonskin and North Bend ponds Sauger (P)(E) 52,249 fg Kanawha River

Channel Catfish (A) 204,730 fg Bear Rocks, Berwind, Big Ditch, Brandywine, Brushy Fork, Burnsville, (A) Apple Grove Hatchery Cacapon, Charles Fork, Chief (B) Bowden Hatchery Cornstalk, Chief Logan, Conaway (BP) Burnsville Rearing Ponds Run, Dixon, Elk Fork, Fort Ashby, (C) Commercial Source Handley, Kee, Kimsey Run, Krodel, (E) Elk River Rearing Pond Larenim, Little Beaver, Logan (P) Palestine Hatchery Airport, Moncove, Mountwood, New (S) Other States Creek, Newburg, O’Brien, Pendleton, Pennsboro, Plum fy = fry Orchard, Poorhouse, Rockcliff, fg = fingerlings Rockhouse, Sherwood, Sleepy ad = adults Creek, South Mill Creek, Stephens, Teter Creek, Tracy, Tuckahoe, Tygart Backwaters, Upper Cove,

565656 WWWILDLIFEILDLIFEILDLIFE RESOURCES SECTIONECTIONECTION tember 2006 at Spring Run Hatchery. As a result of on- The 2006 fall stocking totaled 41,479 pounds. This going construction activities throughout the remainder of was slightly higher than the poundage stocked in 2005, the fiscal year, trout production had to be reduced at Spring but is still representative of normal fall stockings. Thirty- Run Hatchery by approximately 50,000 pounds. The over- six waters received two stockings each during a two-week all size of trout stocked was 1.4 fish per pound, a result of period in October. The fall trout stockings are very popu- good growth due to adequate rainfall and relatively mild lar and provide fishing opportunities through the fall and winter weather until mid-February. A breakdown of trout winter months until the regular spring stocking schedule production by facility follows. begins.

The seven state-owned hatcheries produced 703,330 Wild trout management continues to receive special pounds of trout in 2006-07. Except in years when pro- attention in West Virginia. The two major parts of this duction is affected by conditions such as drought and dis- program involve protecting and enhancing native brook ease outbreaks, normal production averages 750,000 trout populations and stocking fingerling trout to estab- pounds per year. Given the present state of hatchery fa- lish and maintain wild trout populations in streams that cilities available, this level of production is considered will not support stream reproduction. In 2006-07, per- near capacity. Production greater or lesser than this re- sonnel stocked 330,425 trout fingerlings, primarily brown flects unusual situations. trout, in 71 waters. This program has resulted in considerable expansion of wild trout populations in West Vir- The federal hatchery at White Sulphur Springs pro- ginia, particularly in southern West Virginia waters, where vided 3,634 pounds of trout during 2006-07. This is the traditional trout waters are not present. Many of these only federal hatchery remaining in West Virginia. The southern trout fisheries are dependent on cold, unpolluted poundage of trout provided this past year is less than last discharges from abandoned mines. The wild trout pro- year and represents a significant reduction compared to gram provides thousands of anglers with year-round rec- previous years, but is representative of expected trout reational opportunities in areas of West Virginia previ- poundage because of changes in hatchery operations at ously lacking such angling opportunities. White Sulphur Springs.

2006-07 YEAR TROUT STOCKING

Hatchery & Rainbow Trout Golden Trout Brook Trout Brown Trout Total Time Period Weight Number Weight Number Weight Number Weight Number Weight Number No./Lb Fall 2006 Spring Run 7,797 14,032 7,797 14,032 1.8 Petersburg 10,110 12,147 783 228 10,893 12,375 1.1 Bowden 9,820 10,377 949 992 10,769 11,369 1.1 Reeds Creek 6,400 5,154 6,400 5,154 0.8 Tate Lohr 3,600 7,286 400 936 4,000 8,222 2.1 Edray 20 20 1600 202 1,620 222 0.1

Sub-Total 37,727 48,996 2,152 2,176 1,600 202 41,479 51,374 1.2

Spring 2007 Spring Run 90,902 120,396 13,997 18,647 104,899 139,043 1.3 Petersburg 24,849 25,912 2,523 2,071 27,372 27,983 1.0 Edray 89,396 134,167 4,208 6,397 2,307 1,420 14,142 35,519 110,053 177,503 1.6 Ridge 24,582 39,385 2,841 4,496 31,062 49,086 58,485 92,967 1.6 Tate Lohr 23,687 32,389 2,482 3,549 822 822 822 822 27,813 37,582 1.4 Reeds Creek 124,913 166,044 8,275 12,867 17,601 25,667 9,107 12,561 159,896 217,139 1.4 *White Sulphur 3,634 1,204 3,634 1,204 .3 Bowden 125,889 162,463 8,734 11,826 18,303 18,990 18,787 28,480 173,333 224,157 1.3

Sub-total 507,852 681,960 43,060 59,853 70,095 95,985 42,858 77,382 665,485 917,578 1.4

Total 545,579 730,956 45,212 62,029 70,095 95,985 44,458 77,584 706,964 968,952 1.4

*Federal Hatchery

WWWILDLIFEILDLIFEILDLIFE RESOURCES SECTIONECTIONECTION 575757 Wildlife Diversity Program life Management Areas and parks, assistance with various field projects, interpretive programs at state parks, Coordination and many other activities. The Fiscal Year 2007 state budget included $236,160 of lottery revenue funds for the Wildlife Resources Planning continued for the West Virginia Master Section’s Wildlife Diversity Program. License plates Naturalist Program and several county classes were taught (rose-breasted grosbeak and white-tailed deer) generated by staff. Interested individuals take a specified number $224,220 for one-year plate sales, and $150,540 for two- of core courses and electives, and contribute volunteer year plate sales, for a total of $374,760. This represents hours to be certified as a Master Naturalist. The final DNR 5,018 plates sold or renewed for the fiscal year. A por- sponsored weekends were held in early November, March tion of these funds were used to match federal funding and late April. Assistance was provided and classes were (see below). taught to seven new local chapters. Another five chapters are in the process of being organized. The West Virginia Wildlife Conservation Action Plan (WVWCAP) was approved by the U. S. Fish and Wild- Twelve cooperative research grants, totaling $60,947, life Service (USFWS). and one small cooperative education project grant were awarded this year. In addition to normal State Wildlife Grant funding, $180,000 in federal Landowner Incentive Program fund- Work continued on the completion of a statewide rep- ing was received. The funding allowed: tile and amphibian atlas, focusing on species for which little data exists. • the development of protocols for annual work plans that prioritize manpower and funding to implement Staff prepared feature articles for West Virginia Wild- the strategies outlined in the West Virginia Wildlife life magazine, which has a circulation of about 33,000. Conservation Action Plan; Included in each issue are four pages devoted to the Wild- • continuing ongoing survey, inventory and assessment life Diversity Program, as well as two special sections “A work leading to conservation of species and habi- Sense of Wonder” and “Nature Notes.” Through the re- tats; and porting period, 15,687 2007 WV Wildlife Calendars were • support for the Atlantic Joint Venture initiative to study sold generating $106,855.40 in gross income for the pro- the relationship of migratory bats to windpower genera- gram. Numerous magazine articles, press releases and tion as well as a multi-state study of the cerulean warbler radio and TV spots to inform the public about program response to various timber harvest regimes. activities and nongame wildlife in general were produced. Brochures were updated and printed as needed. The Bat Two new Outdoor Wildlife Learning Sites (OWLS) Brochure is being revised. A dragonfly newsletter was schools were added this year, bringing the total to 105 published. schools in 39 counties. Thirty-two Wild Yards were added to the growing list of participants. The total is now 138 Staff judged at local and regional science fairs, fa- sites statewide. cilitated the state Partners in Flight program, conducted bird surveys along Point Count Survey routes, and moni- The West Virginia Master Naturalist Program con- tored loggerhead shrike nesting sites. tinued growing. The program seeks to engage interested citizens in natural history and conservation activities by Eight Breeding Bird Survey routes were run, as well offering 64 hours of high level education and requiring as the establishment and monitoring of new point count 30 hours of conservation volunteer routes throughout the state. Survey routes were coordi- activity to achieve certification as nated for wetland birds and winter bird surveys were con- a WV Master Naturalist. Cur- ducted. Surveys were conducted for grassland birds and rently there are nine local Mas- Christmas Bird Counts were coordinated. Nest boxes were ter Naturalist chapters, three seek- placed in suitable habitat for saw-whet owls and moni- ing to be chartered and 35 certified tored. Surveys were also conducted for bald eagle and teachers. The Wildlife Diversity Program maintains a peregrine falcons. Data are being collected for barn owl list of over 300 individuals interested in participating in nests, and some threatened nests are being relocated. A the program. The Program is designed to provide trained staff member continues to serve as secretary to the state’s individuals for a statewide speaker’s bureau, watchable Bird Records Committee. Information was compiled on wildlife trail development and maintenance at state Wild- the annual winter backyard bird survey.

585858 WWWILDLIFEILDLIFEILDLIFE RESOURCES SECTIONECTIONECTION Additional surveys conducted throughout the state was reported in Marshall County, but this was not con- included: frog call routes; surveys for dragonflies and firmed. damselflies, salamanders, wood turtles, cave invertebrates, woodrats, small mammals, butterflies, running buffalo West Virginia northern flying squirrel nest boxes were clover, Virginia spirea, northeastern bulrush, harperella, monitored by biologists at 16 sites to obtain data on the shale barren rock cress, and mast. Assistance was provided distribution and population trends of this rare mammal. for surveys for federally endangered bats, (in both the Tissue samples for genetic analyses (blood samples pre- summer and winter), mussels, and flat-spired three-toothed served on FTA cards) were collected from several of the land snails. Assistance was also provided to the Purple animals handled this year. All capture data on this spe- Loosestrife Task Force in Berkeley County that is cies, including captures by other state and federal agen- dedicated to the eradication of this exotic invasive plant cies and other researchers, were entered into the Program’s species. database and map files. During this fiscal year, 26 squir- rels were captured at 10 sites. WRS biologists assisted Assistance was provided to Game Management and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) with the de- Fish Management for such projects as nuisance bear re- velopment of a post-delisting monitoring plan that will moval and relocation, prescribed burns, deer check sta- be implemented if the species is “delisted” as the USFWS tions, tag collections, sample collections, locating goose proposes to do. Biologists continue to work with Allegh- nesting structures, trapping and banding geese, water level eny Wood Products, Inc. and the West Virginia Division management at waterfowl marshes, and fish surveys. Calls of Forestry to develop conservation plans for this species were answered regarding injured and orphaned wildlife and its habitat. and nuisance wildlife. In addition, many requests for information concerning all aspects of nongame wildlife and Surveys for hiber- botanical resources were answered. nating endangered bats were conducted to ex- Endangered Species amine population trends The peregrine falcon was removed from the federal and to look for new hi- list of endangered species in 1999, but this rare bird is bernation sites. Winter still monitored closely by Wildlife Diversity Program per- surveys were conducted sonnel. Cliffs were monitored in early spring 2007 for at 24 caves (including returning falcons. A single bird was observed at a cliff on Hellhole, the state’s North Fork Mountain, but no nesting pairs were observed. most important bat hi- However, reports of adult and young peregrine falcons bernaculum) in six perching on a bridge over the Ohio River suggest that counties. More than falcons may have successfully nested on the structure. 123,500 bats of seven This site will be monitored in spring 2008. Peregrine species were tallied. falcon reintroduction efforts continued in 2007 with 24 Populations of Indiana young falcons released at a hack site in the New River bats in the caves surveyed showed a 9.1 percent increase Gorge. The National Park Service installed cameras to over the results of the last winter surveys conducted in monitor the sites and images of the birds were available winter 2004/2005, and endangered Virginia big-eared bats on the Park’s Web page. Six of the young birds released exhibited an increase of 1.8 percent. In June 2007, fe- in 2007 were fitted with radio transmitters and their move- male Virginia big-eared bats were censused at known ma- ments will be monitored via satellite. ternity colonies. Night vision equipment was used to count these cave-dwelling bats as they left their roost to feed in Spring 2006 saw more nesting pairs of bald eagles the evening. A total of 6,264 bats was tallied at 10 mater- (26 pairs) than have ever been recorded in West Virginia. nity caves. This represents a decrease of 0.7 percent over However, snow and the number of bats counted at these caves in June 2006, high winds in early suggesting that the population is relatively stable. WRS April caused several biologists continued to work with private landowners and nests to fail. All nests land management agencies to protect important bat caves. were in the Eastern Gates constructed at the entrances of important bat caves Panhandle except for were repaired and maintained as needed. Program biolo- one nest near the Ohio gists are currently working with two landowners to de- River in the Northern velop plans to gate two additional caves which harbor Panhandle. A nest endangered bats in the winter.

WWWILDLIFEILDLIFEILDLIFE RESOURCES SECTIONECTIONECTION 595959 Mist netting surveys were conducted to provide in- threatened and endangered animal species. Program per- formation on the distribution of bats, especially the Indi- sonnel reviewed WVDNR projects to assure compliance ana bat, during the summer months. In July and August with the federal Endangered Species Act. Private land- 2006, WRS biologists conducted or assisted with surveys owners were assisted with the management and conser- on Bluestone WMA, Chief Cornstalk WMA, and Coo- vation of rare species on their lands. pers Rock State Forest. No endangered bats were captured. Biologists monitored an Indiana bat roost on pri- Natural Heritage Program vate land in Pendleton County in late July 2006. Thirty bats emerged from the roost, and nine Indiana bats (all Ecology males) were captured in mist nets set near the roost tree. Data from bat surveys conducted by WRS personnel and EPA High Elevation Wetlands Contract: others were entered into the Program’s databases. The classification and conservation assessment of high elevation wetlands in the Allegheny Mountains is WRS and USFWS personnel worked with Greer nearing completion. Negotiations with NatureServe are Limestone, Inc. to establish a monitoring plan to ensure complete and all 41 vegetation types have been peer-re- that quarry expansion in Germany Valley will not nega- viewed and integrated into the National Vegetation Clas- tively impact important bat caves. Temperature and baro- sification (NVC). Ten of these represent wetland types metric pressure monitors were placed in Hellhole and that are new to the national system, and 18 of the types Schoolhouse caves, and a weekly report of the results of have been assigned high global conservation priority. A the monitoring is sent to the WRS and USFWS. A meet- new Ecological System, High Allegheny Wetlands, has ing was held in early 2007 to review data collected and to been added to the NVC to describe and map these wet- revise reporting criteria. lands.

Five new locations were found for the federally threat- Detailed descriptions of the wetland types are avail- ened flat-spired three-toothed land snail, but all new sites able and have been shared with Canaan Valley National were within the known range for this species. WRS con- Wildlife Refuge, Canaan Valley Institute, EPA (Mid-At- tracted to develop a survey protocol for this species. Field lantic Wetlands Work Group), NatureServe, U.S. Forest work was conducted spring through fall 2006, and the Service, West Virginia University, West Liberty College, final report has been received and distributed. In addi- private timber companies, and landowners. Occurrence tion, personnel monitored the snail population at Coo- data for globally rare wetland sites have been entered into pers Rock Overlook on a weekly basis. WRS and USFWS the Biotics conservation database. A dichotomous key to personnel met with Allegheny Wood Products, Inc. (AWP) the high elevation wetland communities has been devel- personnel to develop a protocol to delineate and buffer oped. Using the new classification system, additional wet- potential habitat for this snail on Snakehill Wildlife Man- land sites have been identified in the field and added to agement Area where AWP owns timber rights. Prior to the Biotics database. logging, potential habitat and buffers were marked on the ground by AWP and checked by WRS staff. The final report will be completed in 2007. The project leader has communicated results to the public Additional projects focused on acquiring data on spe- through WV Public Radio, WV Wildlife Magazine, WV cies of concern that are not on the federal threatened and Native Plant Society, DNR Master Naturalist program, endangered species list. A statewide survey of cave inver- Randolph County Outdoor Program, Appalachian Forest tebrate species continued with additional collections in Heritage Association, Joint Botanical Field Meeting, and summer and fall 2006; a publication on the cave inverte- Oglebay Institute. The project leader is currently partici- brate fauna of West Virginia is scheduled for publication pating in a national committee coordinated by NatureServe in August 2007. Another study provided data on the dis- and EPA to develop standard indicators of ecological in- tribution and nesting success of the loggerhead shrike. tegrity for wetlands. Long-term monitoring of Allegheny woodrat population allows biologists to look at population trends for the spe- National Park Service Contracts: cies of concern. Allegheny woodrat populations are de- A floristic inventory for Bluestone National Scenic clining in many part of the Northeast, but appear to be River has been completed except for final revisions to the stable in much of West Virginia. report. The documented vascular flora of the park now consists of 802 taxa including 41 taxa tracked as rare by Numerous information requests from the public were the Natural Heritage Program. All occurrences of rare answered, and popular articles were written on the state’s plants were entered in the Biotics database.

606060 WWWILDLIFEILDLIFEILDLIFE RESOURCES SECTIONECTIONECTION All final products for vegetation classification and Management opportunities will be identified to increase mapping for New River Gorge are completed except for a quality of habitat, with special attention to species in great- few edits to the final products to be made in response to est need of conservation that rely on the red spruce eco- reviewer comments. Personnel identified and mapped 41 system. vegetation community types in the park. These types were assigned to 39 associations in the U.S. National Vegeta- Miscellaneous: tion Classification. North Carolina State University de- Ecology staff continued to increase their capacity to termined estimated overall accuracy of the digital vegeta- use the powerful new Biotics software through interme- tion map to be 96.2 percent. diate Biotics training and peer-to-peer tutoring. New reporting and querying skills have allowed staff easier ac- Vegetation classification and mapping for Bluestone cess to critical conservation data. The Plots2-WV data- National Scenic River were completed and the map was base continues to be improved and maintained, and now submitted to North Carolina State University for accu- holds 2,933 plots. More than half of these plots have been racy assessment. Personnel classified and mapped 26 veg- assigned a conservation rank and integrated into the Na- etation community types. Overall estimated accuracy for tional Vegetation Classification. the vegetation map was estimated to be 92 percent. The report for this project will be written this coming winter. During the winter months, ecology staff organized seven brown bag talks at WRS to build shared knowl- Fieldwork for vegetation mapping and floristic in- edge among biologists and their partners. Staff also sup- ventory of Gauley River National Recreation Area in- ported other DNR programs through participation in plan- cluded sampling 100 vegetation plots and collecting over ning meetings, assistance with wetlands planning on a 800 plant specimens. WHIP project, provision of ecoregional maps to Game Management, and wetlands assessment in support of WRS Two small contracts were completed: 1) to lead field cooperative research grants. Comments were provided for trips to observe riparian communities along the New, Blue- five USFS forest management and prescribed burn stone, and Gauley rivers to help inform ecological pro- projects. Staff participated in a regional LANDFIRE work- cess modeling in these systems, and 2) to assist NPS with shop to delineate vegetation mapping units for West Vir- establishment of permanent vegetation monitoring plots ginia and surrounding states. in the three river parks. Ecology staff participated as field trip leaders for the Red Spruce Project: Wildflower Pilgrimage held in Blackwater Falls State Park In 2006, WRS initiated a red spruce ecosystem as- in May and for the Joint Field Meeting of the Philadel- sessment project. The red spruce forest habitat type has phia Botanical Club, The Torrey Botanical Society, and been given a high conservation priority in the West Vir- the Botanical Society of America held in Elkins in June. ginia State Wildlife Conservation Plan. Red spruce forest restoration is also a newly established management Data Management, Scientific Collecting priority for the Monongahela National Forest, the U.S. Permits, and Environmental Review Fish and Wildlife Service, and The Nature Conservancy. The coincidence of these institutional priorities represents Scientific Collecting Permits: an opportunity to build a strong program for red spruce Personnel issued 258 permits for a variety of projects forest habitat conservation in West Virginia. including T&E surveys, graduate student research, and stream surveys. Survey work conducted under one of these Plot data was entered in the WV Natural Heritage permits resulted in the possible rediscovery of the endan- plots database and quality control was completed. Veg- gered orange-foot pimpleback (Plethobasus striatus). Two etation has been classified into eight spruce forest/wood- permits for falconry were issued. Two scientific collect- land types, using multivariate statistical analysis. One ing permits were denied. hundred ninety plots were used in the analysis. A dichotomous key to upland red spruce communities in West Vir- Legislation was passed to allow fees to be assessed ginia is available in draft form. Preliminary results have for the processing of Scientific Collecting Permits. A $200 been shared with WVU, Canaan Valley National Wildlife fee will be charged to consultants, $25 to out-of-state re- Refuge, private timber companies, and landowners. searchers and $25 to falconers. In-state academics and students, state and federal agencies, and non-profit groups Habitat occurrences will be incorporated into the will not be charged. Biotics database to inform future conservation decisions.

WWWILDLIFEILDLIFEILDLIFE RESOURCES SECTIONECTIONECTION 616161 Data Requests: and conservationists to better coordinate the national re- Personnel responded in writing to 654 requests (table covery of Harperella. following) and over 200 more by e-mail and telephone. Consultations were conducted with the U. S. Fish and Mining Lands inquiries 149 Wildlife Service Endangered Species Specialist, the acting Ecologist/Botanist of the Monongahela National For- Abandoned Mine Land reviews 18 est, the hydrologist with Canaan Valley Institute, and staff Division of Highways 244 of The Nature Conservancy Central Appalachian High- Other 243 lands office regarding the status of T&E plant species in West Virginia, and specific concerns regarding perceived Total 654 threats to populations. This information was used to evaluate the status of T&E plant species in West Virginia, as Rare Species Database: well as to draft a one-year plan (March 2007 – February Rare species data continue to be entered into the 2008) for the monitoring of and conducting conservation Biotics database, with records for threatened and endan- action for the recovery of federally listed T&E plant spe- gered species being the priority. All available data for cies. Currently, a six-year plan is being drafted (March threatened and endangered (T&E) species from the 2006 2008 – February 2014), and a more thorough evaluation field season have been entered. of the status of the T&E plant species is being conducted.

The annual data exchange with NatureServe to up- Personnel replied to numerous requests from state date the global data in Biotics took place in December and regional botanists and conservationists regarding the 2006. status, distribution and systematics of vascular plant species of West Virginia. Staff continued to serve on the Staff attended Advanced Biotics training at the Flora of West Virginia Committee and promoted the dis- NatureServe offices in October 2006. tribution of the Checklist and Atlas of the Vascular Flora of West Virginia. Staff serves on the Invasive Species Botany Working Group, meeting twice a year with state and fed- Over the period of March 2006 through February 2007 eral biologists, consultants, and others to exchange infor- (continuing currently), federally endangered plant spe- mation regarding the status of invasive species and their cies were monitored with partial financial support from threats to natural areas in West Virginia. the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act, Section 6. Species surveys were conducted Work continued on a long-term conservation plan for for running buffalo clover (Trifolium stoloniferum), shale rare, threatened and endangered plant species of greatest barren rockcress (Arabis serotina), northeastern bulrush concern. This plan will parallel or be incorporated into (Scirpus ancistrochaetus), small whorled pogonia (Isotria the conservation action plan recently written for animal medeoloides), and Virginia spiraea (Spiraea virginiana). species of West Virginia.

Staff continued coordination with representatives Zoology from the Ecological Services Office of the U. S. Fish and Gathering information for an Odonate (Dragonflies Wildlife Service and the Monongahela National Forest and Damselflies) atlas project continued. Many collec- (MNF) regarding the conservation of the federally listed tors assisted with documenting 984 specimens from 28 endangered species, Running Buffalo Clover (RBC) on counties around the state. More than 25,000 records from the Monongahela National Forest in anticipation of de- Dr. Linda Butler’s moth collections have been entered veloping a management plan for RBC on the MNF. into a database. These historical data are valuable in determining which of these species may need conservation. Staff monitored the federally endangered plant species, Harperella (Ptilimnium fluviatile) along three rivers Research projects that assist in determining the life in Morgan County, West Virginia, and responded to vari- history, status and other useful conservation information ous requests for consultation from the U. S. Fish and were entered into for the following projects: Kanawha Wildlife Service, Nature Serve and The Nature Conser- River mussels, Kanawha/Ohio river Odonata, Hellbender, vancy concerning the status of Harperella in West Vir- Redbelly turtle, Genetics of the Blackbelly salamander, ginia, and landowner actions along those rivers that po- Ohio River floodplain crayfish, Candy and Varigate darter tentially threatened the Harperella population. Staff has hybridization, Upper Greenbrier fish diversity, Ohio River been working closely with state and regional biologists Islands landsnails, Eastern panhandle/Kanawha River

626262 WWWILDLIFEILDLIFEILDLIFE RESOURCES SECTIONECTIONECTION crayfish, Patterson Creek mussel, fish, and stream mor- As part of the Corps of Engineers Mitigation Project, phology, Ambystoma salamander study, post-fledging bird a systematic survey of mussel populations within the movements, and Coopers Rock woodrats. Marmet Pool of the Kanawha River continued. Mussel brood stock was collected from the Elk River for White Data Mining Grant Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery for propagation Staff conducted a literature review of fish articles and of mussels for the Marmet Pool. Propagated mussels were scientific publications relative to the National Park stocked into the Marmet Pool, and with assistance from Service’s New River National River and its associated the Warmwater Fish Management Section, fish were in- areas (including the Gauley and Bluestone river recre- oculated with larval mussels for release into the Marmet ational areas). Approximately 230 documents were se- Pool. cured, organized, and summarized for the NPS in this endeavor. Litigation for the mussel and fish kill caused by the Eramet/Elkem chemical spill on the Ohio River near Stream Classification Project Parkersburg was settled. Restoration planning was initi- A project to classify West Virginia streams contin- ated in cooperation with the USFWS and Ohio EPA. ued. The Stream Classification Survey collects fish, physical habitat information, water quality and atlas data that Litigation for the mussel and fish kill resulting from will be used to predict the current and past distribution of the loss of the Belleville Pool on the Ohio River was also state fishes, and evaluate the health of state streams. settled and restoration planning was initiated.

In 2006, detailed data were collected on approximately Two biologists assisted the USFWS with mussel sal- 55 streams. Several large rivers were also surveyed. vage on the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania. In cooperation with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commis- Land Conservation Program sion, salvaged mussels were used to establish two small The Land Conservation Program is an initiative to core populations on the Monongahela River, one below conserve plant and animal species at risk on private lands. Opekiska Lock and Dam and one below Hildebrand Lock Several areas of the state have been identified as having and Dam. These populations will supply broodstock for concentrations of at-risk species and were the initial fo- restoring mussels in the Monongahela which were lost cus for the program. due to historic acid mine drainage. Another species, the Rayed Bean, was brought from the Allegheny River to The infrastructure of the Program is now in place and establish a core breeding population for re-introduction many land parcels have been identified that support rare of this species on the Elk River. This species was believed or at-risk species. This information will be shared with to be extirpated from West Virginia over the last 20 years. conservation partners so that actions can be taken with willing landowners once resources are identified. We con- Biologists assisted the USFWS with endangered tinue to seek funds to implement management actions and mussel surveys on the Elk River and South Fork Potts to enter into conservation easements to conserve habitat Creek. on private lands.

Mussels Technical Support Unit Two biologists attended the biannual symposium of the Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society. A biolo- Aquatic Habitat Conservation gist attended the mussel subgroup meeting of the Ohio Personnel from the Technical Support Unit were very River Valley Ecosystem Team. active during the year coordinating and participating in efforts to assess and restore aquatic habitats in the state. Numerous office reviews were conducted for bridge Staff attended training courses in natural stream channel replacement, pipeline crossings, industry dredging, and design, participated in the field reconnaissance of degraded tat assessment and mapping. streams, developed and submitted grant applications for inventory and research projects, and coordinated the The New River below Hawks Nest Dam was sur- implementation of such projects. veyed for freshwater mussels. This section was histori- cally known as the “Drys.” Coordination continued on an expanded state effort to restore streams damaged by acid precipitation and acid mine drainage. Work continued on the selection of addi-

WWWILDLIFEILDLIFEILDLIFE RESOURCES SECTIONECTIONECTION 636363 tional streams and limestone application sites as well as of the Rivers and Harbors Act. Considerable mitigation in procedures for monitoring the restoration of water qual- the form of avoidance, reduction, re-creation, enhance- ity and fisheries in streams that will receive limestone ment and compensation has been secured as a result of applications. these efforts. Personnel worked very closely with DEP to develop new state regulations regarding the issuance of Planning State 401 Water Quality Certification. These regulations The West Virginia Wildlife Conservation Action Plan, codified and legitimized mitigation for environmental which was coordinated by the planning supervisor, re- disturbances. Significant time was spent developing miti- ceived formal approval from the USFWS and its review gation guidance, which conforms to these regulations. team. The plan is required to receive expanded federal Personnel worked very closely with DEP and the Army reimbursement for fish and wildlife management activi- Corps of Engineers on the re-certification of the new ties and required substantial coordination with staff from Nationwide Permits for the state of West Virginia. the Wildlife Diversity Program. Overall financial planning for the Division and annual work planning for se- Significant time has been spent working with the lected units was another area of significant emphasis dur- WVDEP and the Corps of Engineers developing a sci- ing the year. ence-based assessment protocol for stream disturbance activities and an In-Lieu Fee mitigation program for the Coordination state. The In-Lieu program agreement was signed by the Field and/or office coordination continued on the fol- Corps of Engineers in the Spring of 2006 and is currently lowing US Army Corps of Engineers’ projects: Winfield a viable mitigation option. Staff was involved in field test- Locks and Dam Rehabilitation Mitigation Project, Marmet ing and review of a “Functional Assessment Approach Locks and Dam Rehabilitation, and Bluestone Dam Hy- for High Gradient Streams” developed by the COE. dropower Development Study. Staff has completed training in the use of RiverMorph, Continued action (e.g., impact analysis, development a specialized software application used in Natural Stream of mitigation, appeals, litigation, relicensing) was taken Design, and uses this knowledge in the evaluation of miti- on each of the following proposed or licensed hydropower gation projects. The use of “Natural Stream Design” for projects at reservoirs or locks and dams: R. C. Byrd and stream compensatory mitigation is routinely required as Willow Island on the Ohio River; Summersville on the a condition for 401 certifications. Gauley River; Dam Sites 4 and 5 and Jennings Randolph Dam on the Potomac River; Millville on the Shenandoah Staff has responded to requests from the WV Divi- River; Hawks Nest, Bluestone Dam and Claytor Lake sion of Highways and numerous watershed groups to in- Dam on the New River; Lake Lynn on the Cheat River; form them on permitting issues relating to wetland dis- R. D. Bailey Dam on the Guyandotte River; near Glen turbance, mitigation obligations, permit compliance, Natu- Ferris on the Kanawha River; and Tygart Dam on the ral Stream Design, and other issues. Tygart Valley River. The Lower Cove Run Dam site #16 Flood Control Staff has been involved with the development of the and Water Supply Project was reviewed. Staff continues wind power industry. Presently there are 11 proposed to coordinate with the Natural Resources Conservation projects located in eight counties. If these projects are Service (NRCS) on mitigation for the Elkwater Fork Water developed, West Virginia will have approximately 1,200 Supply project in Randolph County. WRS involvement wind turbines producing power in the state. with a cooperative Natural Stream Restoration project on Horseshoe Run in Tucker County and Knapps Creek in The Coordination Program continued participation Pocahontas County continued. Significant time contin- in the National Environmental Policy Act mitigation pro- ued to be spent coordinating, reviewing and monitoring cess for several major highway projects and numerous the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) smaller highway, bridge and culvert improvement projects. with state and federal agencies. This program is paying Adoption of tighter design standards for culvert sizing landowners to fence livestock out of the stream and cre- and installation will significantly reduce the impacts of ate and protect riparian areas. Significant time was spent road crossings on West Virginia streams. coordinating with the WV Conservation Agency (WVCA) on post-flood stream restoration efforts in the state. State CWA certifications continue to be reviewed under the MOU with WVDEP. Additional reviews were Significant time was spent implementing the Clean conducted and comments provided relative to Section 10 Water Act Regional Permit to assist landowners with small

646464 WWWILDLIFEILDLIFEILDLIFE RESOURCES SECTIONECTIONECTION stream restoration and management activities. Approxi- U.S. Bureau of Land Management making the DNR a mately 187 landowner stream plans have been received cooperating agency in this study development. and reviewed during this reporting period. Approximately 214 Clean Water Act, Section 404/ Work continued with NRCS on Wildlife Habitat In- 10 permit actions were coordinated. They include high- centive Program Plans for private farms as requested by way reviews; wetland and stream permit reviews; and the districts. Assistance has been provided in developing NRCS and WVCA project reviews. Additionally, com- a fact sheet for barn owls to assist private landowners pensatory wetland creation projects have been started on with their management. The CREP program continues to two of our Wildlife Management areas. The 2.5-acre slowly expand. Only six new farm visits were attended project on Frozencamp WMA was recently completed. this year and 14 of 157 farms were photo monitored. Monitoring of some mitigation sites may result in im- Coordination continues on several proposed flood con- provements to those projects. trol/water supply impoundments in Hardy and Randolph counties. Staff continues to monitor the stream and wetland mitigation sites on the new Wallback Lake. Staff coordinated with the WVCA on a natural stream restoration project for the Island Creek watershed in Lo- Numerous opportunities to teach school children gan County. The first phase of this project involving par- about wetlands, riparian zones and streams were realized tial flood plain restoration was completed. this year. Likewise, the stream table was set up and adults were provided with instruction on the functioning of Work continues on mitigation resulting from the U.S. streams. Route 35 upgrade that will develop wetlands on Chief Cornstalk WMA and on adjacent land that will come un- Biometrics/GIS der management of the Game Management Unit. The Technical Support Unit staff provided routine instal- first stream mitigation portion of this upgrade was imple- lation, maintenance and support of computer hardware, mented and the first monitoring report was submitted for software and peripherals for the Wildlife Resources Sec- review. tion funded by traditional sources and from grants and contracts (U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser- Technical assistance relative to fish and wildlife con- vice, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). tinues to be provided to the WVDEP’s mitigation development program and biologists continue to review sur- Staff continued assisting with new and ongoing Sec- face mine permit applications and develop wildlife man- tion projects and activities. Activities included perform- agement plans. Wildlife habitat development plans were ing data processing, project design and analysis consult- completed for 6,292.25 acres and 167 mine pre-plans were ing, conducting data analysis, preparing paper and elec- reviewed. tronic maps, technical training, computer maintenance and support for Section budget, personnel and inventory. Significant time was spent working on stream restoration plans and coordinating mitigation plans for mine Annual routine projects supported included manag- impacts to aquatic ecosystems. A 53-acre wetland addi- ing the Section's work report system, producing game tion was added onto the Meadow River WMA as a result harvest and trout stocking summaries, summarizing spring of local mining impacts. Assistance was provided to gobbler survey results, summarizing responses from the WVDEP in locating potential aquatic improvement grouse cooperator survey, summarizing bow hunter sur- projects that could be completed by mining company’s vey results, processing antlerless deer applications for in-lieu of administrative penalties for violations. To date, eligibility, summarizing statewide hunter prospects and this includes four stream sites totaling nearly 30 miles of mast surveys, summarizing accomplishments for game stream and two small wildlife habitat impoundment sites management, and preparing federal aid vouchers and at Chief Logan State Park to be built by a mining com- monthly summaries for all projects. Work time and cost pany. In-stream restoration projects were completed on reporting services were also provided to the Law Enforce- Pond Fork in Boone County and Spruce River, Cow Creek ment Section. and Toney Fork in Logan County. Database management and development continued Coordination work has begun on an EIS for a pos- as needed. Programs to access data were developed and sible mining project involving the public land surround- expanded to incorporate tabular and GIS data stored in ing East Lynn Lake. An MOU has been signed with the MS SQL Server 2000/ESRI ArcSDE 9.0 databases. The

WWWILDLIFEILDLIFEILDLIFE RESOURCES SECTIONECTIONECTION 656565 database schema was expanded to link future datasets to GIS staff continued the development of spatial and a database warehouse compliant with FGDC standards. tabular data sets for selected wildlife management areas. This database server is now open to the Internet so agency GIS mapping was continued on a number of wildlife staff and cooperating agencies can use databases centrally management areas. GIS/GPS consultation and database stored and maintained. development services were provided to various federally assisted rare, threatened and endangered species studies The WVDNR Intranet Web site was restructured and and chronic wasting disease studies. GPS training was new functionality was added. The Intranet site now pro- provided to Game Management Unit staff and other bi- vides selected users with access to agency administrative ologists and common data libraries were maintained. data, work report system materials, publications and various project proposals, reports and other data. GIS staff has developed and refined a fully functional central database server to store and share information for Geographic Information System (GIS) staff provided West Virginia’s natural resource management projects training and technical assistance to WRS staff on GIS through the use of its evolving GIS program. GIS person- and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) data acquisition nel have deployed GIS capabilities in several district of- and dataset development, GPS data management, GIS fices and cooperating agencies and provided ongoing in- application use, cartography, and spatial data analysis. struction as needed. Existing GPS collection, processing and organization procedures were further refined to streamline the tracking of The GIS staff has amassed over 800 GB of natural GPS data collection activities. These geospatial services resource base mapping information ranging from state- were provided for Section projects operating statewide to wide aerial photography, satellite imagery, topographic ensure the collection of well-documented and accurate maps, soil surveys, elevation models for visualization and locations of field survey data. watershed modeling, streams, wetlands, public fishing lakes, demographics, political boundaries, land use/land GIS staff further refined Stonewall Lake State Park cover, and other miscellaneous datasets. Use of these GIS maps and other promotional materials, with cooperation datasets by agency staff continues to grow and become from the WVDNR State Parks, for future National Hunt- incorporated into the basic analysis of project data. ing and Fishing Days planning, brochures and displays. Technical assistance and staffing was also provided to support the Trophy Buck Contest program.

666666 WWWILDLIFEILDLIFEILDLIFE RESOURCES SECTIONECTIONECTION Index

West Virginia Division Of Natural Resources Annual Report 2006-2007

A Blennerhassett Island 30, 32, 39 Blennerhassett Mansion 32 Administration 1 blue catfish 54, 55 Administrative Management 30 Bluestone 32 Allegheny woodrat 60 Bluestone Wildlife Management Area 33, 60 Americans with Disabilities Act 30 boating 22 Annual Mast Survey 53 boating safety 24 antlerless deer 52 bobcat 51 Appalachian Cooperative Grouse Research Project 53 Botany 62 Appraisals 44 bow 23 Aquatic Habitat Conservation 63 bowhunter survey 52 aquatic nuisance species 55 bowhunters 52, 53 archery deer 52 Breeding Bird Survey 58 Archery in the Schools Program 48 bucks 52 Association for Conservation Information 40, 41 Budget Office 2 ATV patrols 22 Audra 31 C B Cabwaylingo State Forest 33 Cacapon 30, 31, 33, 39 Babcock 31 Calvin Price State Forest 39 bald eagles 51, 58, 59 Camp Creek 30, 33 Bald Knob 34 Canaan Valley 30, 31, 33, 39 barn owl 58 Canada geese 51 Bat Brochure 58 capital improvements 47 bat surveys 60 Carnifex Ferry 30, 33, 39 bats 59, 60 Cass 33 bear 51, 59 Cathedral 34 Bear damage claims 53 Cedar Creek 34 Bear Rocks Lake Wildlife Management Area 47 Center Branch Wildlife Management Area 44 Beartown State Park 31 channel catfish 54, 55 beaver 51 Chapter 20 24 Becoming an Outdoors-Woman 46 Chief Cornstalk WMA 60 Beech Fork 30, 31 Chief Logan 34, 39 Berkeley Springs State Park 32 Chief Logan Lodge 30, 34 Berwind Lake 39 Christmas Bird Counts 58 Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area 32 Chronic Wasting Disease 52 Beyond BOW 46 Civil War 29, 35 Biometrics/GIS 65 Civilian Conservation Corps 29 Biotics 61, 62 Class A hunting incidents 23 Black Bass 54 Class B hunting incidents 23 black bass 54, 55 Clean Water Act Regional Permit 65 Black Bear 52 Coldwater Fish Management 55 black bear research study 52 Combining Statement of Revenues, Disbursements 3 Blackwater Falls 30, 31, 32, 61 Commercial Dredgers Report 45 Blennerhassett Foundation 32 Community Work Experience Program 39

INDEX 67 conservation officer 22, 23, 24 goWILD! 46, 47 Conservation Stamp 47 Greenbrier River Trail 29, 35 cooperative research grants 58 Greenbrier State Forest 35 Coopers Rock Foundation 35 Coopers Rock Overlook 60 H Coopers Rock State Forest 35, 60 habitat enhancement 55 D hatchery facilities 57 Hawks Nest 31, 35 Data Management 61 Hazardous Dams 31 Data Mining Grant 63 Hiking West Virginia 39 decoys 22 Holly River 36 deer 22, 51 Homeland Security 23 DNR Annual Report 40 hourly employees 1 DNR Employee News 40 Hunter Education 22, 23, 24 DNR Report 46 Hunter Education Hotline 23 doves 51 Hunters Helping the Hungry 40, 47 Droop Mountain 35 hunting 40, 46 Hunting and Fishing License Unit 47 E Hunting and Fishing Show 46 e-mail subscription list 40 hybrid striped bass 54, 55 Ecology 60 I Elk River Public Access Site 44 Endangered Species 59 Indian Creek Wildlife Management Area 47 Endangered Species Act 60, 62 Indiana bats 59, 60 Engineering and Survey Consultants 44 Information and Education 46, 51 Environmental Review 51, 61 Information Technology Services 2 EPA High Elevation Wetlands Contract 60 Intranet Web site 66 Executive 1 J F JAKES Day 24 fall trout stockings 57 Junior Conservation Camp 46 fingerling trout 57 firearm 23 K Firearms hunters 52 Kanawha State Forest 36, 39, 46 Fiscal Services 2 Kumbrabow State Forest 36 fish 46 fish kills 55 L Fish Management 59 Fish restoration 55 Land Acquisition 42 fisher 51 Land Conservation Program 63 fisheries 54 Land Licensed or Leased to DNR 43 fishing 22, 40, 46 Land Sales/Transfers 45 Fishing Tournament Coordination 55 Landowner Incentive Program 58 flat-spired three-toothed land snail 59, 60 Laurel Lake Wildlife Management Area 36 Flora of West Virginia Committee 62 Law Enforcement 1, 22, 31, 40 fly fishing weekend 46 Leatherbark Creek 34 Lewis Wetzel Wildlife Management Area 44 G License plates 58 littering 31 Game Management 52, 59, 61 Little Beaver 36, 39 Game Management Unit 50, 65, 66 Lodge Sales 30 General Services 2 lodges 30 Geographic Information System 66 loggerhead shrike 60 gift card 39 Lost River 36 Gobbler Survey 53 Governor’s Youth Challenge 24

68 INDEX M Project WILD 46 Promotion and Outreach 46 Marmet Locks expansion project 55 Properties Acquired 43 Master Naturalist Program 58 Property and Procurement 2 McClintic Wildlife Management Area 51 Property Management 44 McKeever Lodge 30 Public boating and fishing access 55 media 40 Public Information Office 40 Mid-Appalachian Gobbler Study 53 Public Land Corporation 42, 45 mini-snout inflatable pontoon motorboats 25 Putnam-Houser House 30, 32 Minority Employment 30 mitigation development program 65 R Moncove Lake 36 mourning doves 51 Rare Species Database 62 Muskellunge 54, 55 Real Estate Management 1, 42, 44 mussels 59, 62, 63 Recycled Christmas trees 55 muzzleloader deer 52 Red Spruce Project 61 Reeds Creek Fish Hatchery 47 N reptile and amphibian atlas 58 Reservoir Management 54 National Hunting and Fishing Days 22, 40, 46, 51, 66 Resource Management 31 National Park Service Contracts 60 River, Stream and Lake Research and Surveys 55 National Recreational Boating Week 24 Road kills 52 National Rifle Association 22 Ruffed Grouse 53 National Safe Boating Week 24 native brook trout 57 S Natural Heritage Program 60 news releases 40 Sauger 54, 55 nonseasonal mortalities 52 Scientific Collecting Permits 61 North Bend 37 “Sectional” meetings 51 North Bend Rail Trail 29, 36 Self-sufficiency 29 northern flying squirrel 59 Seneca State Forest 37 nuisance animals 52 Shay 34 shooting range 47 O Shovelnose Sturgeon 54 shovelnose sturgeon 55 Officer Training 22 smallmouth bass 55 Oppitions to Purchase Optained 44 Snakehill Wildlife Management Area 60 Outdoor Wildlife Learning Sites 58 song birds 51 P special conservation officers 31 Spirit of South Charleston 32 paddlefish 54, 55 spring gobbler harvest 53 Panther State Forest 37, 39 Spring Run Fish Hatchery 47, 57 Parcels in Process of Acquisition 44 squirrel 51 Parks and Recreation 1, 42 Staffing 1 Partners in Flight 58 State Archery Tournaments 48 Payroll and Employee Benefits 2 State Fair of West Virginia 40, 46 Pedlar Wildlife Management Area 47 state forests 29, 50 peregrine falcon 58, 59 state parks 29, 39, 40, 41, 58, 66 Peregrine falcon reintroduction 59 State Wildlife Center 52 Pinnacle Rock 37 State Wildlife Grant 58 Pipestem 30, 31, 37 sternwheeler 32 Planning/Engineering/Maintenance Section 39 Stonewall 22, 31, 38 Plum Orchard Wildlife Management Area 37 Stonewall Jackson Lake 66 Point Count Survey 58 Stream and Lake Access 55 Point Pleasant Battle Monument 38 Stream Classification Project 63 Prickett’s Fort 37 survey 59 Programming Section 39 swift water rescue 22, 25

INDEX 69 T West Virginia Wildlife Conservation Action Plan 58 West Virginia Wildlife magazine 58 technical assistance 51 wetlands 42, 51, 60, 66 Technical Support Unit 63 White Sulphur Springs 57 temporary employees 1 white-tailed deer 51, 52 Tiger Musky 54 whitewater 24 Timber management 51 Whitewater Enforcement 24 Tomlinson Run 31, 38, 39 whitewater rafting companies 24 tourism 29 whitewater sergeant 25 Travel Management Office 2 Whittaker Station 34 Trophy Buck Contest 66 wild boar 51, 53 Trophy Fish Citation program 55 Wild trout management 57 trout 22, 55 Wild Turkey 53 trout production 57 Wild Yards 58 trout stocking 41 Wildflower Pilgrimage 61 Tu-Endie-Wei 38 Wildlfire Control Training 31 turkey 22, 51 wildlife 29, 46 Twin Falls 30, 38, 39 Wildlife Calendars 58 Tygart Lake 38, 39 Wildlife Center 46 U Wildlife Conservation Action Plan 61, 64 Wildlife Diversity Program 58, 59, 64 Underwood Wildlife Management Area 44 Wildlife Endowment Fund 47 urban deer season 52 Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program 51, 65 Wildlife Management Areas 22, 29, 31, 50, 58 V Wildlife Population Surveys and Research 51 Wildlife Resources 1, 42, 46 Valley Falls 38, 44 Wildlife Transplant Program 51 Very Important Parks Person 39 wildlife watching 40 Virginia big-eared bats 59 wind power 64 Volunteers 39 winter backyard bird survey 58 W women’s deer hunt 46 Wonderful West Virginia 1, 2, 41 walleye 54, 55 woodcock 51 Warmwater Fish Management 53, 63 Work force characteristics 1 watercraft 22 waterfowl 51 Y waterways 42 “Your DNR” 40 Watoga 39 youth and Class Q deer season 52 Watters Smith Memorial 39 youth hunting opportunities 51 Web page 2, 40 Web site 23, 40 Z West Virginia Envirothon 46 West Virginia Outdoors 46 Zoology 62 West Virginia Wildlife 46

70 INDEX